Real life inspiration for Marge Simpson, Margaret Groening, has died at age 94

The real life inspiration for the character of Marge Simpson on the long-running The Simpsons, Marge Groening, has died at age 94.

Groening was the mother of Simpsons creator, Matt Groening. Her obituary can be found in The Oregonian, her local newspaper.

In it, it’s revealed that Groening passed away in her sleep on April 22. Groening was born Margaret Wiggum and married Homer Groening – Matt’s parents. She never called herself Marge but Matt has said numerous times that the famous character was based off of his mother. He also has sisters named Lisa and Maggie.

Back in 1997, Groening told Dayton Daily News, “It's really weird to have people think you're a cartoon,'' and said her son “just helped himself to all these names.”

She also said of Marge, "She certainly means well, and she wants everyone to be happy. She's the mediator in the family, I suppose.''

Homer Groening died in 1996 and she is survived by her daughters Lisa and Maggie, and sons Matt and Mark.

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