> At a Glance
> – Duffman announces retirement in season 37, episode 13 of The Simpsons
> – Character first appeared in 1997 and has been voiced by Hank Azaria
> – Retirement marks end of 30-year run as Duff Beer mascot
> – Why it matters: Fans lose one of the show’s most iconic recurring characters as The Simpsons continues modernizing its cast
Duffman, the muscular, catchphrase-spouting mascot of Duff Beer, has officially retired from The Simpsons. The announcement came during season 37, episode 13, when the character told the Simpson family that the Duff Corporation was retiring his persona forever.
The Retirement Announcement
In the episode titled “Seperance,” Duffman arrives at the Simpson home and delivers the news with his signature energy-before revealing it’s over. The retirement is framed as a corporate decision, with Duffman explaining that “all the old forms of advertising are now passé.”
Despite his retirement, the character continues to appear in the episode, now working for a company called EOD. Notably, he no longer wears his iconic Duffman costume, instead dressing like Mr. Milchick from Severance, signaling a full departure from his beer-promoting past.
A 30-Year Legacy
Duffman first appeared in the 1997 episode “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson.” Over the years, he became known for:
- His blue and red superhero-style costume
- The utility belt loaded with beer
- His booming “Oh yeah!” catchphrase
- His role as the face of Duff Beer
Hank Azaria, who voices Duffman, has also voiced Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy. Despite the character’s popularity, Azaria has openly admitted that Duffman is among his least favorite roles, telling Conan O’Brien in 2020:
> “Duffman will blow me out in a second. I have to save Duffman for the end and I actually dread it.”
Fan Reaction and Recent Departures
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment. One user wrote:
> “Noooooooo not Duffman!!! My favorite beer guy ever.”
Another joked:
> “Thank you for 30 years of amazing service and commitment to the Duff brand. May your 401k keep you happy in retirement, Duffman.”
Duffman’s retirement follows the recent death of Alice Glick, the First Church organist, who was confirmed to be permanently written off the show in November.
Key Takeaways
- Duffman retired in season 37, episode 13 of The Simpsons
- The character debuted in 1997 and was voiced by Hank Azaria
- His retirement is part of a storyline mocking outdated advertising methods
- Azaria has previously expressed discomfort with voicing the character
Duffman’s exit marks another major change in The Simpsons‘ long-running cast as the show continues to evolve its characters and storylines.
