Anytime I hear the wind blow, it will whisper the name "Edna"
October 27, 2013 8:50 AM Subscribe
Marcia Wallace, the Emmy-winning voice of Edna Krabappel on “The Simpsons” and earlier Carol Kester, the receptionist on the 1970s sitcom “The Bob Newhart Show,” has died at 70
NYT
LAT
Wallace also became a regular on popular game shows such as "Hollywood Squares" and "The $25,000 Pyramid." And after "Bob Newhart" ended, she guest-starred on many sitcoms, including "Full House," "Taxi" and "Murphy Brown." She also did theater, appearing in Los Angeles in "An Almost Perfect Person" and "The Vagina Monologues" and on tour in shows such as "Gypsy" and "Plaza Suite." -- LAT
Wallace also became a regular on popular game shows such as "Hollywood Squares" and "The $25,000 Pyramid." And after "Bob Newhart" ended, she guest-starred on many sitcoms, including "Full House," "Taxi" and "Murphy Brown." She also did theater, appearing in Los Angeles in "An Almost Perfect Person" and "The Vagina Monologues" and on tour in shows such as "Gypsy" and "Plaza Suite." -- LAT
A period seems so insufficient to give Ms. Wallace. Instead, her signature:
HA!
posted by mightygodking at 8:56 AM on October 27, 2013 [29 favorites]
HA!
posted by mightygodking at 8:56 AM on October 27, 2013 [29 favorites]
She was perfectly cromulent.
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Yes, I know Ms. Hoover said that. Still.
posted by darkstar at 8:59 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
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Yes, I know Ms. Hoover said that. Still.
posted by darkstar at 8:59 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
Please, it's Carol Bondurant, née Kester.
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posted by benito.strauss at 9:00 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
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posted by benito.strauss at 9:00 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
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posted by The White Hat at 9:03 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by The White Hat at 9:03 AM on October 27, 2013
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posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 9:08 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 9:08 AM on October 27, 2013
I was sorry to hear this a couple of days ago. Few performers create even one instantky memorable character, let alone two, and between the syndication of the Newhart show and the inescapability of The Simpsons, there probably has not been a day in the last forty years where her voice was not being heard over the air all over the English-speaking world.
It also brings to mind the sad fact that the performers on the show are all getting older each year. Even the youngest of the core cast (Azaria and Smith) will hit the half-century mark next year and Harry Shearer will turn seventy in a couple of months. As most of them voice numerous characters on the show, the loss of even one could spell the end of continuing the series (not necessarily a bad thing, in the view of many).
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:16 AM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
It also brings to mind the sad fact that the performers on the show are all getting older each year. Even the youngest of the core cast (Azaria and Smith) will hit the half-century mark next year and Harry Shearer will turn seventy in a couple of months. As most of them voice numerous characters on the show, the loss of even one could spell the end of continuing the series (not necessarily a bad thing, in the view of many).
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:16 AM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by vibrotronica at 9:23 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by vibrotronica at 9:23 AM on October 27, 2013
I had never made the connection that Edna Krabappel had the same voice as Carol Kester, but now that I know, I wonder how I missed it. But it also took me a long time to realize that Krabappel was a reference to crabapples.
My son started middle school this year, and I noticed during conferences that all the teachers all had that kind of "I am so over this gig, but what are you going to do?" tone that she captured perfectly.
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posted by bibliowench at 9:32 AM on October 27, 2013 [7 favorites]
My son started middle school this year, and I noticed during conferences that all the teachers all had that kind of "I am so over this gig, but what are you going to do?" tone that she captured perfectly.
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posted by bibliowench at 9:32 AM on October 27, 2013 [7 favorites]
Dear Mrs. Wallace,
I never knew you as anyone but Edna Krabappel. But the character I did know has been there most of my life. Thank you for the years, you will be missed.
And if you're reading this from beyond the grave, Tell Phil Hartman we still miss him.
posted by The Legit Republic of Blanketsburg at 9:32 AM on October 27, 2013 [9 favorites]
I never knew you as anyone but Edna Krabappel. But the character I did know has been there most of my life. Thank you for the years, you will be missed.
And if you're reading this from beyond the grave, Tell Phil Hartman we still miss him.
posted by The Legit Republic of Blanketsburg at 9:32 AM on October 27, 2013 [9 favorites]
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posted by oneswellfoop at 9:34 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by oneswellfoop at 9:34 AM on October 27, 2013
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posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 9:43 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 9:43 AM on October 27, 2013
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posted by EatTheWeek at 9:43 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by EatTheWeek at 9:43 AM on October 27, 2013
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Favorite moment:
Skinner: I'm sorry, I, I don't get out to restaurants much.
Mrs. Krabappel: That's okay. I don't entertain much. Usually it's just soup for one, salad for one, wine for three.
posted by porn in the woods at 10:05 AM on October 27, 2013 [16 favorites]
Favorite moment:
Skinner: I'm sorry, I, I don't get out to restaurants much.
Mrs. Krabappel: That's okay. I don't entertain much. Usually it's just soup for one, salad for one, wine for three.
posted by porn in the woods at 10:05 AM on October 27, 2013 [16 favorites]
Ever wonder what it took to get censored on Match Game PM; Marcia Wallace knew.
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posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:07 AM on October 27, 2013 [10 favorites]
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posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:07 AM on October 27, 2013 [10 favorites]
As obvious as it may have been, thanks for using that line as the title.
posted by seraphine at 10:08 AM on October 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by seraphine at 10:08 AM on October 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
She kept the hands of the master busy and will continue to do so.
posted by jadepearl at 10:10 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by jadepearl at 10:10 AM on October 27, 2013
I drank a lot of beer to the sound of her voice saying "Hi Bob."
But one tonight just for her. Thanks Marcia for the laughs.
posted by three blind mice at 10:12 AM on October 27, 2013 [4 favorites]
But one tonight just for her. Thanks Marcia for the laughs.
posted by three blind mice at 10:12 AM on October 27, 2013 [4 favorites]
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posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 10:32 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 10:32 AM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Rock Steady at 10:33 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by Rock Steady at 10:33 AM on October 27, 2013
Having just rewatched nearly every episode of the Bob Newhart Show (being old, I knew them already from the first run), I have to say that it's just about the most perfect thing that's ever been on TV. And Carol was a huge part of that uniformly excellent ensemble. This is sad. Thanks for everything, Marcia Wallace.
posted by Fnarf at 11:06 AM on October 27, 2013 [7 favorites]
posted by Fnarf at 11:06 AM on October 27, 2013 [7 favorites]
You only get one chance with Edna Krabappel.
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posted by nubs at 11:17 AM on October 27, 2013 [3 favorites]
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posted by nubs at 11:17 AM on October 27, 2013 [3 favorites]
Favorite moment:
Skinner: I'm sorry, I, I don't get out to restaurants much.
Mrs. Krabappel: That's okay. I don't entertain much. Usually it's just soup for one, salad for one, wine for three.
Geeze, I literally watched this episode two days ago.
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posted by littlesq at 11:18 AM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Skinner: I'm sorry, I, I don't get out to restaurants much.
Mrs. Krabappel: That's okay. I don't entertain much. Usually it's just soup for one, salad for one, wine for three.
Geeze, I literally watched this episode two days ago.
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posted by littlesq at 11:18 AM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by Joey Michaels at 11:24 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:24 AM on October 27, 2013
I wonder what became of that baby that that was born in the closet right after Mrs. Krabappel had sex with Principal Skinner in that closet. It looked at Ralph Wiggum, and that's the last we heard of it.
Great work, Marcia Wallace.
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posted by ignignokt at 11:30 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
Great work, Marcia Wallace.
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posted by ignignokt at 11:30 AM on October 27, 2013 [6 favorites]
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posted by Annabelle74 at 11:43 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by Annabelle74 at 11:43 AM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 12:27 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 12:27 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by clockworkjoe at 12:34 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by clockworkjoe at 12:34 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Token Meme at 12:38 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Token Meme at 12:38 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by the sobsister at 1:01 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by the sobsister at 1:01 PM on October 27, 2013
She was just perfect as Edna Krabappel. She'll be missed.
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posted by arcticseal at 1:20 PM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by arcticseal at 1:20 PM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by fido~depravo at 1:32 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by fido~depravo at 1:32 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Going To Maine at 1:33 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Going To Maine at 1:33 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by lalochezia at 1:40 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by lalochezia at 1:40 PM on October 27, 2013
I can't help but feel partly responsible.
posted by sock me amadeus at 1:47 PM on October 27, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by sock me amadeus at 1:47 PM on October 27, 2013 [4 favorites]
"A pity date with a ten-year-old? I'll take it." -Mrs. K
Poor Ned. First Maude...now Edna...
I mean, these characters have been in our lives for almost a quarter of a century...
R.I.P. Marcia.
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posted by IndigoRain at 1:49 PM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Poor Ned. First Maude...now Edna...
I mean, these characters have been in our lives for almost a quarter of a century...
R.I.P. Marcia.
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posted by IndigoRain at 1:49 PM on October 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by Faint of Butt at 3:05 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:05 PM on October 27, 2013
My favorite line of her's was from the episode with the sex ed video:
"She's faking it."
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posted by 4ster at 4:48 PM on October 27, 2013 [9 favorites]
"She's faking it."
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posted by 4ster at 4:48 PM on October 27, 2013 [9 favorites]
Krabappel? All this time I've been calling her Crandall!
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posted by ckape at 5:29 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by ckape at 5:29 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Cookiebastard at 5:30 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Cookiebastard at 5:30 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by Defying Gravity at 5:42 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Defying Gravity at 5:42 PM on October 27, 2013
If you are interested, here is Ms. Wallace being relaxed and smart and funny during a Dork Forest podcast. (They mention that she had recently joined the cast of Vampire Mob.
Also noted - her book.
The podcast is from Dec 15, 2010.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 5:54 PM on October 27, 2013
Also noted - her book.
The podcast is from Dec 15, 2010.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 5:54 PM on October 27, 2013
She also appeared as Carol Bondurant on an episode of Murphy Brown, where she was another in Murphy's parade of secretaries. Bob Newhart popped up as Bob Hartley in that episode, too.
Ms Wallace, you and your voice shall be missed.
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posted by crossoverman at 7:01 PM on October 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
Ms Wallace, you and your voice shall be missed.
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posted by crossoverman at 7:01 PM on October 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
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posted by Chrysostom at 7:55 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by Chrysostom at 7:55 PM on October 27, 2013
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posted by ogooglebar at 8:24 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by ogooglebar at 8:24 PM on October 27, 2013
Oh man, so sorry to hear this news. She was brilliant as Carol Kester, and wickedly hilarious as Edna Krabappel.
crossoverman: "She also appeared as Carol Bondurant on an episode of Murphy Brown, where she was another in Murphy's parade of secretaries. Bob Newhart popped up as Bob Hartley in that episode, too."
She was nominated for an Emmy for that role!
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posted by zarq at 12:04 PM on October 28, 2013
crossoverman: "She also appeared as Carol Bondurant on an episode of Murphy Brown, where she was another in Murphy's parade of secretaries. Bob Newhart popped up as Bob Hartley in that episode, too."
She was nominated for an Emmy for that role!
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posted by zarq at 12:04 PM on October 28, 2013
'Simpsons' plans tribute to Marcia Wallace this Sunday
Fox and The Simpsons producers are making some changes to Sunday’s programming to pay tribute to the passing of longtime Simpsons actress Marcia Wallace.
First, the network is replacing a repeat of American Dad with a classic Simpsons episode that focused on Wallace’s beloved character Edna Krabappel.
The network will re-air the 16th episode of the show’s third season, “Bart the Lover,” which offered a sympathetic take on Bart’s cynical, lonely teacher. In the episode, Bart discovers Krabappel has posted a personal ad, so he begins writing her bogus love letters. After setting her up on a fake date, he spies her sitting by herself in the restaurant. When she’s still there hours later, he’s no longer amused by his prank and sets about trying to make things right. The episode won Wallace an Emmy Award in 1992.
This reminds me of a point I was thinking of earlier this week -- that I would love to do a viewing marathon of Krabappel-focused episodes as tribute to Marcia Wallace but they are all so painfully depressing at some point or another that I'm not sure I could make it through.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:15 PM on October 31, 2013
Fox and The Simpsons producers are making some changes to Sunday’s programming to pay tribute to the passing of longtime Simpsons actress Marcia Wallace.
First, the network is replacing a repeat of American Dad with a classic Simpsons episode that focused on Wallace’s beloved character Edna Krabappel.
The network will re-air the 16th episode of the show’s third season, “Bart the Lover,” which offered a sympathetic take on Bart’s cynical, lonely teacher. In the episode, Bart discovers Krabappel has posted a personal ad, so he begins writing her bogus love letters. After setting her up on a fake date, he spies her sitting by herself in the restaurant. When she’s still there hours later, he’s no longer amused by his prank and sets about trying to make things right. The episode won Wallace an Emmy Award in 1992.
This reminds me of a point I was thinking of earlier this week -- that I would love to do a viewing marathon of Krabappel-focused episodes as tribute to Marcia Wallace but they are all so painfully depressing at some point or another that I'm not sure I could make it through.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:15 PM on October 31, 2013
Related:
SKINNER: Edna!
KRABAPPEL: Seymour.
SKINNER: Mind if I sit down?
KRABAPPEL: It's a free country.
SKINNER: I, I don't follow you.
KRABAPPEL: Oh ... just sit down, Seymour. [he does] It might be nice to talk to a grown-up for a change, heh.
SKINNER: Well this party is certainly a break in my routine. You know, normally I spend my Saturdays carefully laying out my clothes for the following week, then I stroll down to the car wash to see if Gus is there.
KRABAPPEL: Oh, yeah, you gotta keep busy. I collect matchbooks from glamorous nightclubs. It's amazing -- if you just write to them and ask them nicely... [trails off]
SKINNER: Is this how you imagined your life, Edna?
KRABAPPEL: Well yes, but then I was a very depressed child.
SKINNER: To poor decisions. [they clink glasses]
KRABAPPEL: Hear, hear. [they drink]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:29 PM on October 31, 2013 [2 favorites]
SKINNER: Edna!
KRABAPPEL: Seymour.
SKINNER: Mind if I sit down?
KRABAPPEL: It's a free country.
SKINNER: I, I don't follow you.
KRABAPPEL: Oh ... just sit down, Seymour. [he does] It might be nice to talk to a grown-up for a change, heh.
SKINNER: Well this party is certainly a break in my routine. You know, normally I spend my Saturdays carefully laying out my clothes for the following week, then I stroll down to the car wash to see if Gus is there.
KRABAPPEL: Oh, yeah, you gotta keep busy. I collect matchbooks from glamorous nightclubs. It's amazing -- if you just write to them and ask them nicely... [trails off]
SKINNER: Is this how you imagined your life, Edna?
KRABAPPEL: Well yes, but then I was a very depressed child.
SKINNER: To poor decisions. [they clink glasses]
KRABAPPEL: Hear, hear. [they drink]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:29 PM on October 31, 2013 [2 favorites]
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posted by NordyneDefenceDynamics at 2:35 PM on November 10, 2013
posted by NordyneDefenceDynamics at 2:35 PM on November 10, 2013
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