15 Iconic TV Characters Written Off After Real-Life Tragedies

TV shows are a blend of fiction and reality, but what happens when a real-life tragedy strikes? Some shows choose to write off characters when their actors pass away, creating moments that are both touching and unforgettable. Here are 15 times TV creators made this tough decision and the impact on the show.

Finn Hudson, Glee  

When Canadian actor and musician Cory Monteith sadly passed away in 2013, it shook both the cast and fans of Glee. His character, Finn Hudson, was quietly faded out, with no specific details given about his demise. “The Quarterback” episode was an emotional goodbye to both Monteith and his much-loved character.

Fred Andrews, Riverdale 

While still playing as Fred Andrews on the Riverdale, Luke Perry suffered a stroke and, sadly, never recovered. The show paid tribute to him and had his character written off with a fatal car accident. This gave fans a chance to mourn both the actor and the character.

Livia Soprano, The Sopranos 

Following Nancy Marchand’s passing in 2000, Livia Soprano, her character, suffered a similar fate. Rather than recasting her, the show, The Sopranos, used Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to give her character one final scene before her storyline came to a quiet end, offering a respectful and subdued farewell to the matriarch.

Adam West, Family Guy  

Legendary Adam West, celebrated for his intense, childish, and playful role as Mayor of Quahog on Family Guy, was memorialized after his demise in 2017. Playing as himself, the show didn’t replace him, choosing to honor his legacy in an episode named “Adam West High” and celebrate his impact.

Angela, Family Guy  

Talented American actress and writer Carrie Fisher drew her last breath in 2016. Family Guy chose to honor her by writing out her character, Angela, whom Fisher voiced. The show gave Angela a fitting tribute by retiring the character in a special episode where she was last seen swimming.

Gramps, Lassie 

In 1957, Lassie suffered the loss of veteran Canadian actor George Cleveland. Rather than sidestep his absence, the show integrated Gramps’ exit into the storyline. Despite concerns about how younger viewers would react, it was handled sensitively, giving audiences a way to process the loss through this touching moment.

Chef, South Park     

Isaac Hayes, the iconic voice of Chef on South Park, left the show in 2006, but his legacy didn’t end there. In true South Park style, Chef’s send-off was a perfect mix of humor and emotion. The episode celebrated Hayes’ unforgettable role, giving fans a farewell they wouldn’t soon forget!

J.R. Ewing, Dallas  

Larry Hagman’s role as J.R. Ewing in Dallas was as iconic as his lifetime. When he passed in 2012, the show made his character’s death just as dramatic. J.R. was written off in a mysterious attack, adding one last twist to the story of television’s most famous villain.

Owen Granger, NCIS: Los Angeles  

Miguel Ferrer’s absence in 2017 led NCIS: Los Angeles to craft a respectful exit for Owen Granger. Rather than a definitive end, Granger’s storyline left his fate open as he recovered in the hospital after an ambush. This thoughtful conclusion enabled fans to honor Ferrer’s role without a harsh farewell.

Grandpa Zebulon, The Waltons  

Will Geer, who played Grandpa Zebulon Walton, departed in the late 1970s. The Waltons chose to address his absence directly by writing his character’s exit into the season premiere. This gave both the cast and fans a chance to process the loss, honoring Geer’s lasting influence on the beloved show.

Neil Winters, The Young and the Restless  

When Kristoff St. John, who portrayed Neil Winters, left us in 2019, The Young and the Restless honored him with a storyline mirroring his real-life departure. Neil’s sudden stroke was written into the show, giving both fans and the cast a touching opportunity to remember and celebrate St. John’s legacy.

Edna Krabappel, The Simpsons

Marcia Wallace, who voiced the sharp-witted Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons, passed away in 2013. Rather than an explicit on-screen exit, the show honored her subtly, with touching moments like Bart’s chalkboard note. Though gone, Wallace’s iconic voice work still resonates with fans and continues to be cherished.

Bill McNeal, NewsRadio  

Phil Hartman’s untimely loss in 1998 left a profound impact on NewsRadio. The show addressed his absence by writing Bill McNeal’s character out through a heart attack. This allowed the cast and fans to mourn Hartman together, honoring his comedic brilliance in a heartfelt tribute episode dedicated to his memory.

Dr. Virgil Swann, Smallville

Playing as Dr Virgil Swann, Christopher Reeve’s appearance on Smallville was a nod to his iconic Superman role. After his demise in 2004, the show mirrored real life by announcing Swann’s passing via a newscast. This thoughtful tribute honored Reeve’s legacy while connecting his heroic past to the show’s future.

Pops (Albert Solomon), The Goldbergs

Having portrayed Pops for nine years on The Goldbergs, George Segal became a beloved figure on the show. When he passed at age 87 in 2021, the season 9 premiere honored his memory. The episode paid a heartfelt tribute to both Segal and the cherished character he brought to life.