The world of voice acting has lost a beloved talent. Nancy MacKenzie, the Peruvian-Mexican actress who brought Marge Simpson to life in the Latin American version of “The Simpsons,” has passed away at the age of 81. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she became a cherished figure in the voice-over community and beyond.
A Pillar of Latin American Dubbing
Nancy MacKenzie lent her voice to Marge Simpson for the first 15 seasons of the iconic animated series “The Simpsons.” Known for her distinctive raspy voice and heartfelt delivery, MacKenzie made Marge a relatable and enduring character for Spanish-speaking audiences. Her portrayal of Marge captured the essence of the loving yet sometimes frazzled matriarch of the Simpson family, contributing to the show’s immense popularity in Latin America.
“The Simpsons,” created by Matt Groening, debuted in 1989 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show follows the lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—in the fictional town of Springfield. With its sharp satire and memorable characters, “The Simpsons” has remained a staple of animated television for over three decades.
An Illustrious Career
Born in Peru, MacKenzie moved to Mexico in her 20s, where she began her career as a stage and TV actress. She starred in numerous Mexican soap operas, known locally as telenovelas, showcasing her versatility and talent. However, it was her work in voice acting that brought her widespread acclaim.
In addition to Marge Simpson, MacKenzie voiced a multitude of characters in films and TV series. Notably, she was the Spanish-language voice of Trinity in “The Matrix,” Disney villain Cruella de Vil, Daphne in “The Thirteen Ghosts of Scooby-Doo,” and Sailor Galaxia in the anime series “Sailor Moon.” Her ability to imbue each character with unique personality traits made her a standout in the industry.
MacKenzie also provided the Spanish voices for renowned actresses such as Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Sigourney Weaver, and Judi Dench. Her adaptability and skill allowed her to seamlessly transition between dubbing for live-action films and animated series, making her one of the most respected voice-over artists in Latin America.
A Heartfelt Farewell
The news of MacKenzie’s passing was shared by her colleagues Patricia Acevedo and Claudia Motta, who voiced Lisa and Bart Simpson, respectively, in the Latin American version of “The Simpsons.” Acevedo expressed her sorrow on Instagram: “With profound sorrow, the Simpson children (Lisa and Bart) announce the death of our beloved mum, Marge Simpson (Nancy MacKenzie). Rest in peace, we will never forget you.”
Humberto Vélez, the voice actor for Homer Simpson, also paid tribute to MacKenzie on X (formerly Twitter): “[We spent] many hours together, working and travelling. A lifetime. Your passing hurts me very much, but I celebrate your love of life, of being free and living life fully.”
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Nancy MacKenzie’s contributions to the world of voice acting are immeasurable. Her work brought joy and entertainment to countless viewers, and her legacy will continue to resonate with fans of “The Simpsons” and the many other series and films she worked on. Her voice, synonymous with warmth and character, will forever be remembered by those who grew up listening to her portrayals.
As we bid farewell to Nancy MacKenzie, we celebrate a life dedicated to the art of voice acting. Her talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry, and she will always be remembered as the beloved voice of Marge Simpson in Latin America. Rest in peace, Nancy MacKenzie. Your voice will echo in our hearts forever.
