[Jake.]

COMEDIAN Jan Hooks, who played Apu's wife on The Simpsons, has died aged 57.



The actress was the original voice of Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon and brought the character to life for six episodes between 1997 and 2002.

Her agent Lisa Lieberman confirmed Ms Hooks died in New York yesterday but no cause of death was given.

The comic played Manjula for a number of episodes on The Simpsons before she was later replaced by Tress MacNeille.

Figures from the American world of comedy paid tribute to the "talented" actress.

Jan Hooks played Apu's wife on The Simpsons for six episodes [IG]

Jan Hooks still stands out as one of the funniest cast members in SNL history
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane on Twitter
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane posted on Twitter: "Jan Hooks still stands out as one of the funniest cast members in SNL history.

"Very sorry to read about her passing."

While Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler tweeted: "Jan Hooks was an incredibly talented and lovely person. She will be dearly missed".

Ms Hooks featured on iconic US show Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the Eighties and helped it return to form after its ratings dived in 1985.

She featured alongside Wayne's World star Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman, the latter voiced failed Springfield actor Troy MacLure on The Simpsons.

Jan Hooks also had a memorable stint on Saturday Night Live [GETTY]

During her time on SNL Ms Hooks was best known for her wide range impressions which included Nancy Reagan and Sinead O'Connor.

She left the show after the stress of performing live on air became too much.

Speaking later about her time on SNL, Ms Hooks said: "The show changed my life, obviously. But I have horrible stage fright.

"While other performers wanted to 'get in there and do it', I was one of the ones that between dress (rehearsal) and air was sitting in the corner going, 'Please cut everything I'm in'."


Ms Hooks' other TV appearances include 3rd Rock From The Sun, Futurama and 30 Rock.

She also appeared in 1992 Hollywood blockbuster Batman Returns.

Last year Marcia Wallace, who voiced The Simpsons character Edna Krabappel, died aged 70.

The show did a tribute to her as Bart in the opening for one episode wrote on a Springfield Elementary chalkboard: "We'll really miss you Mrs K".


R.I.P

[Ramsay]

Another death
RIP

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

but irl RIP etc

[Marsh.]

Six episodes? Pfft.

RIP

[Cal.]

[GypsyGoth]

RIP

[Xtopher]

I've been watching Jan videos all week because of her death... I'm so glad SNL did a tribute to her.

[Shaun]

She was great in 30 Rock and on SNL far too young an age to go.