Beloved ‘Simpsons’ Star With a Six-Decade Career in TV, Film & Theater Passes Away at 96

Béatrice Picard, the acclaimed Canadian actress who brought Marge Simpson to life for generations of Quebec viewers, has died at 96. Théâtre Duceppe confirmed her passing on Tuesday, sharing a statement from her family announcing that she died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 9.

“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,” her family wrote.

Picard’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than 75 years across television, film, and theater.

A Pioneer of Quebec Television and a Beloved Voice in Animation

Born Marie Thérèse Béatrice Picard on July 3, 1929, in Montreal, she rose to national fame as Angelina Desmarais in Le survenant, one of Quebec’s earliest and most influential télé-romans.

Her résumé grew to include classics such as Cré Basile, Symphorien, and Les Brillant, cementing her as one of the province’s most recognizable performers.

But to millions of Quebecers, Picard was best known as the unmistakable French voice of Marge Simpson in The Simpsons, a role she voiced for 33 seasons.

Her warm, familiar delivery made her a cultural touchstone across generations.

A Celebrated Career in Film, Theater, and Television

Picard’s influence extended far beyond television. In the early 2000s, she appeared in several acclaimed films, including Isabelle Hayeur’s Le Golem de Montréal, Érik Canuel’s Le Survenant, Yves Desgagnés’ Idole Instantané, and Catherine Martin’s Dans les villes.

She earned many prestigious honors throughout her career. In 2012, she was appointed an officer of the Ordre national du Québec, and she was also named to the Order of Canada, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the arts and Quebec culture.

Her family acknowledged her lifelong dedication in their statement, writing, “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.”

Tributes Pour In From Fans and Public Figures

Following news of her death, tributes flooded social media from admirers, colleagues, and political leaders.

Quebec Premier François Legault shared a heartfelt remembrance:

“I remember my Tuesday evenings listening to Cré Basile! She leaves an indelible mark on Quebec culture. My deepest condolences go out to her family, her loved ones, and all Quebecers touched by her legacy.”

Fans also reflected on her decades-long influence, especially her work voicing Marge Simpson. This role endeared Picard to younger generations discovering The Simpsons in French for the first time.

Over her career, Picard appeared in more than 40 films and television projects, shaped Quebec’s entertainment landscape for decades, and created one of the most beloved animated performances in Canadian media history. Her voice, her presence, and her impact continue to live on.

The post Beloved ‘Simpsons’ Star With a Six-Decade Career in TV, Film & Theater Passes Away at 96 appeared first on EntertainmentNow.