Marcia Wallace Biography

Fast Facts

• Became a cancer activist and frequently spoke about breast cancer awareness after being diagnosed with breast cancer
• Named the Delta Zeta Woman of the Year at the 2010 Biennial National Convention
• Won an Icon Award at the 2005 TV Land Awards for "The Bob Newhart Show․"
• Won the Gilda Radner Courage Award from Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 2007
• Graduated from Parsons College with a degree in English and Theater
• Worked as a substitute teacher and script typist before being invited to become a guest on "The Merv Griffin Show․"
• Started out as a semi-regular guest on "The Merv Griffin Show," which led to her role on "The Bob Newhart Show," where her character was written specifically for her
• Quote: "(On how she stayed grounded): "Midwestern work ethic․ What else? I've always been an optimist and a real hard worker and had a passion․ I figured I may as well go for my dream․""
• Best known for her role as receptionist Carol Kester on "The Bob Newhart Show" and as the voice of Edna Krabappel on "The Simpsons․"
• Published her autobiography "Don't Look Back, We're Not Going That Way" in 2004
• After her death, her character was retired from "The Simpsons," and she was memorialized in the episode "Four Regrettings and a Funeral," where Bart writes "We'll really miss you Mrs․ K" on the chalkboard during the opening credits