Real-life inspiration for ‘The Simpsons’ matriarch Marge dies, aged 94

Margaret Groening, mother of the show's creator Matt, passes away peacefully in her sleep

The mother of The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has died at the age of 94.

Margaret Groening passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 22, an obituary in her local newspaper The Oregonian has revealed.

Although Margaret Groening never called herself “Marge”, Matt Groening has often admitted he named the character of Marge Simpson after her. Margaret Groening was born Margaret Wiggum – another name familiar to fans of The Simpsons – and married Homer Groening, with whom she had four children: Matt, Mark, Lisa and Maggie. Like Marge Simpson, she had a sister called Patty.

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In a 1997 interview with Dayton Daily News, Margaret Groening said her son “just helped himself to all these names” and noted that “it’s really weird to have people think you’re a cartoon”. However, she also spoke highly of the character she inspired, saying of Marge Simpson: “She certainly means well, and she wants everyone to be happy. She’s the mediator in the family, I suppose.”

Meanwhile, Marge Simpson is about to contend with Justin Bieber, who makes a cameo appearance in an episode of The Simpsons titled ‘The Fabulous Baker Boy’ which airs in the US this Sunday.

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