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FANS of The Simpsons have been left heartbroken following the sudden death of a long-standing character.

The animated sitcom is currently airing its 35th season and while many characters have come and gone over the years, viewers were left shocked by the surprise departure.

The Simpsons has said goodbye to a longstanding character
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The Simpsons has said goodbye to a longstanding characterCredit: Alamy
The character, pictured next to Barney Gumble, first appeared in 1989 and was a regular at Moe's Tavern
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The character, pictured next to Barney Gumble, first appeared in 1989 and was a regular at Moe's TavernCredit: Simpson Wiki

In the episode Cremains the Day, which aired over the weekend, Larry the Barfly dropped dead in Moe’s Tavern.

Debuting in the show’s first half-hour episode, 1989's Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, the character was a regular face in scenes set at the neighbourhood watering hole.

Longtime drinking companions Homer, Lenny and Carl, as well as Moe, attended Larry’s funeral.

Despite the hours spent together in Moe’s Tavern, it became clear they did not know the late bar patron very well with Homer asking: "Is it possible we’re terrible people?"

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Larry was often seen alongside fellow barfly Sam
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Larry was often seen alongside fellow barfly SamCredit: Simpson Wiki

Meanwhile, Larry’s mother Iris spoke about how much her son’s fellow bar patrons meant to him and invited the group to speak in tribute.

His full name was revealed for the first time to be Lawrence Dalrymple.

Devastated viewers shared their reactions to Larry’s death on social media.

One wrote: “Not Larry the Barfly, oh no!”

Another penned: “He died unloved in a bar, Larry the barfly.”

A third fan chimed in: “They finally give Larry the barfly attention after 35 years of being a background extra... and it's him F*****G DYING.”

A fourth wrote: "Holy s**t Larry from The Simpsons died rest in peace my drunken kin."

Another longstanding character met their maker in recent months, albeit in a Treehouse of Horror episode.

The Simpsons kills off legendary character as shock murder spree rocks Springfield
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