Simpsons co-stars and producers have praised the "brilliant" voiceover actress Marcia Wallace, voice of Springfield schoolteacher Edna Krabappel, who has died aged 70.
Wallace, who died after breast cancer complications, was a prolific theatre and television actress, as well as a voiceover artist for The Simpsons.
Known for her throaty voice, inimitable laugh and romance with school principal Seymour Skinner, she has appeared in more than 100 episodes as Bart Simpson's long-suffering teacher.
She married The Simpsons' neighbour Ned Flanders in the show's 23rd season.
Executive producer Al Jean, said in a statement on behalf of The Simpsons: "I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace. She was beloved by all at "The Simpsons" and we intend to retire her irreplaceable character.
"Earlier we had discussed a potential storyline in which a character passed away. This was not Marcia's Edna Krabappel. Marcia's passing is unrelated and again, a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her."
Many of the Simpsons actors paid tribute to their co-star on Twitter: