Top 10 Major Characters of Family Guy Who Tragically Died
#10: Pearl Burton “Brian Wallows and Peter's Swallows”
Calling Pearl a major character is a bit of a stretch, given that she only appears in one episode, but she nevertheless makes an impact, at least on Brian. A cantankerous elderly woman Brian is forced to spend time with for community service, Brian warms up to her after learning her past as a singer. The pair form a friendship, and Brian convinces the agoraphobic Pearl to leave her house. Tragically, Pearl is almost immediately hit by a truck. While in the hospital, Brian uses a virtual headset to show her the two of them living out a possible life together. It's a very sweet relationship that ends too soon.
#9: Jonathan Weed “Mr. Saturday Knight”
Mr. Jonathan Weed was Peter Griffin’s boss during the early seasons on the show, when he worked at a toy factory. After Peter becomes worried he won’t advance in his career there, he invites Mr. Weed over for dinner. His mustachioed superior is actually won over by the evening’s meal and even promotes Peter. However, the shock causes Brian to choke on his food. After the food is ejected from Brian’s mouth, it lands in Mr. Weed’s mouth, causing him to choke to death. This is admittedly more of a comedic death than tragic one, though. And Mr. Weed’s death did open up the opportunity for Peter to try a variety of other jobs.
#8: Bertram “The Big Bang Theory”
Stewie may hate his mother most, but he’s got another mortal enemy in the family – his half-brother, Bertram. As brilliant as Stewie and possibly more vindictive, Bertram clashes with Stewie several times. Their final encounter sees Bertram attempt to erase Stewie from existence by killing his ancestor – Leonardo DaVinci. The pair’s final battle in Renaissance Italy is an entertaining one, with an aerial battle using DaVinci’s flying machines. However, Stewie ultimately finishes Bertram off with an arrow to the head and a terrible pun. The real tragedy though is that we’ll never get to see these two match wits again.
#7: Francis Griffin “Peter's Two Dads”
Francis Griffin is Peter’s chronically cranky Irish father. Highly critical of his son and his family, Francis comes to Meg’s birthday party in his final episode. In a horrifying accident, Peter falls off the stairs while riding a unicycle and crushes his father; leading to his death. While we learn later in the episode that Francis was actually Peter’s stepfather, it doesn’t cancel out how traumatic the event is. Franics may not have been the nicest man around, but he did raise Peter and, if he were anyone else, that might have messed him up.
#6: Horace “Save the Clam”
The original bartender of Peter and his friends’ local watering hole, The Drunken Clam, Horace didn’t have the biggest personality in town, but he did…serve…beer…a lot. The guy wasn’t very memorable okay? But his death was! When the Drunken Clam regulars play a game against Goldman’s Pharmacy, the opposing team brings in Jerome, a ringer. Jerome hits Horace’s pitch so hard that it kills the bartender! The guys don’t have much of substance to say at Horace’s funeral, though not for a lack of feelings on Quagmire’s part, but they’re very upset that the Clam is almost closed. Thankfully for them, Jerome makes amends by buying the bar.
#5: Diane Simmons “And Then There Were Fewer”
Diane Simmons was the erstwhile co-anchor on Quahog’s Channel 5 news. However, a trip to James Woods’ house has deadly consequences for Diane – and not just for her! Several other recurring characters meet their ends during this murder mystery episode. But, as it turns out – Diane is the murderer! Her attempts to get revenge on James Woods for dumping her for a younger woman spiraled into further killings to cover her initial murder. And just when she looks poised to do the same to Lois, Diane is shot from afar – by Stewie! If anyone’s going to kill Lois, it’s him! Diane’s fall from grace is a sad one, and she was an entertaining part of the show’s extended cast.
#4: Rupert “Dog Bites Bear”
Rupert is Stewie’s beloved teddy bear and arguably his best friend, apart from Brian - even if he can’t talk back. Unfortunately, Brian is jealous of the time Stewie spends with Rupert, and drunkenly tears the bear apart. Stewie is understandably heartbroken, leading the two of them to make a trek up a mountain in Vermont to lay Rupert’s ashes to rest. The duo’s eulogy for the departed stuffed animal is surprisingly moving. And while Brian does buy Stewie a new bear on the way home, the original is looking down on them from the afterlife…along with Paul Walker.
#3: Brian Griffin “Life of Brian”
Top 10 Times Brian Griffin Got What He Deserved on Family Guy
Speaking of the Griffin family dog, Brian has also died during the show…several times, in fact. However, our pick goes to the one most of us thought would stick. After Stewie destroys his time machine, he and Brian play hockey in the street. Tragically, Brian is struck by a car. He has time for one last farewell to the Griffin family before he passes away. Although Brian stays dead for a few episodes, Stewie finds a way to avert his death and save him soon afterwards. Although this is arguably the most emotional onscreen death – his goodbyes still make us choke up – the fact that it isn’t permanent keeps it from being as impactful as it could have been.
#2: Angela “Pawtucket Pete”
Another of Peter’s bosses, Angela was his supervisor at the Pawtucket Brewery. Although generally dissatisfied with his performance, she did have a soft spot for him…a little too much of one, actually. Angela met an untimely end, due to her voice actress, the late Carrie Fisher, passing away in real life. Allegedly dying due to going swimming too soon after eating, Angela’s eulogy is delivered by Peter. Although he begins the speech quoting various sitcom theme songs, he concludes it with a profoundly moving tribute that refers to Fisher herself. It’s just a shame Peter delivered it at the wrong funeral. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Muriel Goldman, “And Then There Were Fewer” Mort’s Wife Was Murdered, Though He Wasn’t That Broken Up About It Vern & Johnny, “Saving Private Brian” These Vaudeville Players Got a Little Too Annoying for Stewie Jess Schlotz, “Dead Dog Walking” Brian’s Brief Wife Had Cancer When They Got Together, So This Was Almost Inevitable
#1: Mayor Adam West “Adam West High”
Top 10 Best Mayor Adam West Moments on Family Guy
A staple on the show for many years, Adam West played a wackier version of himself on “Family Guy.” Like our last entry, when the actor passed away, so too did the character. To honor his memory, the characters pay tribute to him in various ways, from a video montage made by Peter to getting the high school renamed in his honor. It’s too bad nobody went to his funeral though…Still, the guy doesn’t seem to hold a grudge, since his ghost seems to save Brian and Quagmire from falling off a cliff. Rest in peace you strange, kooky man.
