Mona J. Simpson is a recurring fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons. She has been voiced by several actresses, including Maggie Roswell, Tress MacNeille and most prominently, Glenn Close (pictured). Mona is the estranged wife of Abe Simpson and the mother of Homer Simpson. Homer believed that his mother was dead, a lie his father Abe told him when in reality she was on the run from the law. Mona first appeared in the second season in a flashback in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?". She returned in the seventh season for her first main appearance in "Mother Simpson" and also had a large role in "My Mother the Carjacker". The character appeared again in Season 19's "Mona Leaves-a", but died during the episode. The character is named after writer Richard Appel's ex-wife, the American author Mona Simpson. The personality for the character is based upon Bernardine Dohrn of the Weather Underground. Glenn Close's performances as Mona have been well-received by critics and she was named one of the top 25 guest stars on the show by IGN.