Fans Grieve the Passing of Beloved ‘Simpsons’ Voice Icon

Béatrice Picard, the actress who gave Marge Simpson her voice in Quebec for more than three decades, has died at 96. Théâtre Duceppe in Quebec shared the news on Facebook, along with a message from her children.

They wrote, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Beatrice, which occurred this morning, December 9th, at the age of 96. Throughout her life, Béatrice was able to combine her family life with her passion for the performing arts and the causes that were dear to her. So it seemed natural to us to share this news with her friends, her colleagues in the artistic world and, especially with her audience, for whom she was thinking until the very end.”

Picard became an important figure for French-speaking fans of The Simpsons, who grew up hearing her voice as the iconic animated mother. While American audiences know Julie Kavner as Marge, Quebec viewers watched Les Simpsons with Picard’s unique tone and delivery, which became part of the show’s identity in the region.

Her acting career began long before her work in animation. The Canadian Press has noted that she first stepped into the entertainment world through radio dramas in the late 1940s. By the 1950s, she was appearing on Canadian television and becoming a regular presence on different shows. As her career moved forward, she took on bigger roles and became well known on stage as well.

Picard also appeared in films. Although she had been in movies for years, she gained major attention in 2007 when she starred in My Aunt Aline, directed by Gabriel Pelletier. That role earned her a Genie Award nomination and brought her new recognition late in her career.

Her work as Marge Simpson remained one of her longest roles. She voiced the character from 1990 until 2023, including the French version of The Simpsons Movie released in 2007. Many viewers across Quebec grew up hearing her voice and continued to associate her with the character even decades later.

Théâtre Duceppe’s team also shared their tribute, saying, “The whole team of Duceppe joins the family of Béatrice in paying tribute to this great lady who touched the hearts of so many of our spectators. Throughout an immense career, an artistic journey as varied and prolific that spans 75 years, Béatrice Picard marked our cultural history. Bubbling with enthusiasm, lively, true, feminist of the early hours and molded by a relentless passion, she was able to captivate the people of Quebec with her talent and personality.”

Picard leaves behind a legacy built on decades of work across radio, television, film, and voice acting. Her version of Marge Simpson became a lasting part of Quebec culture, remembered by generations of viewers.

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