The Simpsons Says Goodbye to Duffman: End of an Era for Iconic Beer Mascot

A Farewell to Springfield’s Most Enthusiastic Mascot

After nearly three decades of bringing his signature “Oh yeah!” catchphrase to screens worldwide, The Simpsons has officially retired Barry Duffman, the beloved Duff Beer mascot, in episode 13 of season 37. This momentous decision marks a significant shift for one of television’s longest-running animated series and leaves fans reflecting on the character’s memorable contributions to pop culture.

The Retirement Episode

In the January 4 “Severance” parody episode titled “Seperance,” Barry Duffman revealed that his Duff Beer mascot persona and his “oh yeah” catchphrase were being sent out to pasture. “The Duff Corporation has retired that character forever,” Barry announced, wearing civilian attire reminiscent of Mr. Milchick from “Severance”. The episode cleverly addressed changing advertising trends, with Barry explaining that “all the old forms of advertising are now passé. Corporate spokesmen, print ads, TV spots.”

Duffman’s Legacy

The Duffman first appeared in the 1997 episode “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson,” wearing his Duff-branded cap, sunglasses, cape, bodysuit and utility belt of beer. Over the years, he became one of The Simpsons’ most recognizable side characters, embodying the show’s satirical take on marketing culture and consumerism.

The Voice Behind the Character

Interestingly, voice actor Hank Azaria has confessed that among the many characters he voices on The Simpsons—which includes Moe, Chief Wiggum, Comic Book Guy and many more—the beer mascot is one of his least favorite. In a 2020 interview with Conan O’Brien, Azaria shared: “Duffman will blow me out in a second. I have to save Duffman for the end and I actually dread it”, citing the physical strain the character’s booming voice placed on his vocal cords.

What This Means for The Simpsons

The mascot’s official retirement comes less than three months after The Simpsons killed off Springfield’s First Church organist Alice Glick, one of the show’s longest running characters. These departures signal the series’ willingness to evolve its sprawling cast of characters, even as it continues through its 37th season. While The Simpsons has a loose hold on its canon and the door is not fully closed in terms of seeing Duffman again in his old get-up, the character can unexpectedly re-appear revisiting his old endeavor, the retirement marks a poignant moment for long-time fans who have followed the series since the late 1990s.