02-20-2015, 02:10 PM
This isn't the first time real death has intruded on a sitcom. It happened on Cheers when Nicholas Colosanto who played Coach died at the end of the third season. I'm sure that I'll think of other examples. But still, it is rare for a sitcom to let the character die along with the person who played them. TBH, I think it's a sign of respect. Having her death provide story fodder for three episodes is a bit much though.