The inspiration for Marge Simpson has died.
“The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is mourning the loss of his 94-year-old mother Margaret — right, as in Marge — who died “peacefully in her sleep,” according to an obituary appearing in Monday’s Oregonian newspaper.
The Los Angeles Times said a spokesman for “The Simpsons” confirmed the obituary and that Groening was declining public comment.
Margaret Groening was a former high school English teacher whose maiden name was Wiggum, another name familiar with fans of “The Simpsons.” The obit said Margaret, who lived in Portland, never went by the nickname “Marge.”
Matt Groening has said he drew heavily on family names when creating “The Simpsons” in the 1980s. He has two sisters named Lisa and Maggie and his father was indeed named Homer. The real-life Homer passed away in 1996.
Another of Groening’s sisters, Patty — who inspired the name for Aunt Patty — died in January.
“The Simpsons” is the longest-running prime-time scripted show on television. It will begin its 25th season this fall.
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