Homer Simpson#Design

{{About|the cartoon character|the novel character|The Day of the Locust|other uses|Homer (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox character

| name = Homer Simpson

| series = The Simpsons

| image = Homer Simpson 2006.png

| alt = A cartoon image of a yellow, obese balding man with a white T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes, eating a donut

| first_minor = Good Night

| first_major = The Tracey Ullman Show

| first_date = April 19, 1987

| creator = Matt Groening

| designer = Matt Groening

| voice = Dan Castellaneta

| full_name = Homer Jay Simpson

| alias =

| occupation = Safety inspector at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant

| nationality = American

| family = {{Plainlist|

Abraham Simpson (father)
Mona Simpson (mother; deceased)
Herb Powell (half-brother)
Abbey (half-sister)}}

| relatives = {{Plainlist|

Orville Simpson (grandfather; deceased)
Yuma Simpson (grandmother; deceased)
Cyrus Simpson (uncle)
Tyrone Simpson (uncle)
Chet Simpson (uncle)
Hortense Simpson (aunt)

}}

| spouse = {{Plainlist|

Marge Bouvier
Amber Simpson (ex-wife)

}}

| children = {{Plainlist|

}}

| home = 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield, United States

}}

Homer Jay Simpson is the main protagonist of the American animated television series The Simpsons who is part of the titular family. Homer made his television debut in the short "Good Night" on The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. Cartoonist Matt Groening created and designed Homer while waiting in the lobby of James L. Brooks's office. Initially called to pitch a series of shorts based on his comic strip Life in Hell, Groening instead developed a new set of characters. After two years on The Tracey Ullman Show, the Simpson family received their own series, which premiered on Fox on December 17, 1989.

Homer is the patriarch of the family; he is married to Marge, with whom he has three children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. As the family's primary provider, Homer primarily works as a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. He embodies numerous American working-class stereotypes: he is overweight, balding, immature, outspoken, aggressive, lazy, ignorant, unprofessional, and deeply fond of beer, junk food, and television. Despite these flaws, Homer is fundamentally a good-hearted man and fiercely protective of his family, especially during critical moments.

In the shorts and early episodes of The Simpsons, Dan Castellaneta voiced Homer with a loose impression of Walter Matthau. However, starting with the second season of the full-length series, Homer's voice evolved into a more robust tone to better convey a broader range of emotions. Homer has also appeared in various Simpsons-related media, including video games, The Simpsons Movie (2007), The Simpsons Ride, commercials, and comic books, and has inspired a wide range of merchandise. His iconic catchphrase, the annoyed grunt "D'oh!", has been recognized in linguistics, appearing in The New Oxford Dictionary of English since 1998 and the Oxford English Dictionary since 2001.

Homer is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential television characters of all time and is widely recognized as an American cultural icon. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly ranked Homer ninth on their list of the "50 Greatest TV Icons", and in 2010, placed him first on their list of the "Top 100 Characters of the Past Twenty Years". The Sunday Times referred to him as "the greatest comic creation of [modern] time", while TV Guide, in 2010, called him second-greatest cartoon character. Castellaneta has received four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, along with a special-achievement Annie Award. In 2000, Homer and the family were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Role in ''The Simpsons''

Homer Jay Simpson{{sfn|Lawson|Persons|2009|p=118}} is the bumbling husband of Marge and the father of Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson.{{sfn|Duffy|Thorson|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Glushko|2013|p=220}} He is the son of Mona and Abraham "Grampa" Simpson.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=96}}{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=223}} Over the first 400 episodes of The Simpsons, Homer held over 188 different jobs.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |title=Simpsons Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=September 21, 2008 |date=July 26, 2007 |last=Carroll | first=Larry |publisher=MTV News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }} His primary role is as a nuclear safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant in Sector 7-G.{{sfn|Terrace|2020|p=110}} This position, which he is unqualified for,{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=81}}{{sfn|Croteau|Hoynes|2003|p=220}} often sees him neglecting his duties or falling asleep on the job.{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=24}}{{sfn|Buchan|2007|p=98}} His boss, Mr. Burns, frequently ignores or forgets his existence.{{sfn|Gray|2012|p=50}} Creator Matt Groening chose the nuclear plant as Homer's workplace to provide opportunities for comedic chaos.{{cite AV media|people=Groening, Matt (writer)|chapter=Commentary for "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete First Season (DVD)|date=2001|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=Fox}} Although Homer's numerous other jobs each last only one episode, earlier seasons often explained how he was fired from the plant and rehired. In later episodes, these transitions became more impulsive, with his side ventures occurring without reference to his regular employment.{{cite AV media |people=Jean, Al |title=The Simpsons: The Complete Eleventh Season (DVD) |date=2008|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=Fox}}

The Simpsons employs a floating timeline, where characters either do not age or age minimally. As such, the show is always presumed to take place in the present year.{{sfn|Friedrich|Colmenares|2017|p=73}}{{cite journal | last1=Davis | first1=Amy M. | last2=Gilboy | first2=Jemma | last3=Zborowski | first3=James | title=How Time Works in The Simpsons | journal=Animation | publisher=Sage Publications | volume=10 | issue=3 | date=October 19, 2015 | issn=1746-8477 | doi=10.1177/1746847715602403 | doi-access=free | pages=175–188}} Despite the show's flexible timeline, several episodes link events in Homer's life to specific time periods.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=78–79}} In "Mother Simpson" (season seven, 1995), Homer's mother, Mona, is portrayed as a radical who went into hiding in 1969 after a run-in with the law.{{cite episode |title=Mother Simpson |episode-link=Mother Simpson |series=The Simpsons |credits=Appel, Rich; Silverman, David |network=Fox |airdate=November 19, 1995 |season=7 |number=8}} "The Way We Was" (season two, 1991) depicts Homer falling in love with Marge as a senior at Springfield High School in 1974.{{cite episode |title=The Way We Was |episode-link=The Way We Was |series=The Simpsons |credits=Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Simon, Sam; Silverman, David |network=Fox |airdate=January 31, 1991 |season=2 |number=12}} Similarly, "I Married Marge" (season three, 1991) implies that Marge became pregnant with Bart in 1980.{{cite episode |title=I Married Marge |episode-link=I Married Marge |series=The Simpsons |credits=Martin, Jeff; Lynch, Jeffrey |network=Fox |airdate=December 26, 1991 |season=03 |number=12}} However, "That '90s Show" (season 19, 2008) contradicts these events, depicting Homer and Marge as a twentysomething, childless couple in the early 1990s.{{cite episode |title=That '90s Show |episode-link=That '90s Show (The Simpsons) |series=The Simpsons |credits=Selman, Matt (writer); Kirkland, Mark (director)|network=Fox |airdate=January 27, 2008 |season=19 |number=11}} This inconsistency deepens in "Do Pizza Bots Dream of Electric Guitars" (season 32, 2021), which reimagines Homer's adolescence as occurring in the 1990s.{{cite episode |title=Do Pizza Bots Dream of Electric Guitars |episode-link=Do Pizza Bots Dream of Electric Guitars |series=The Simpsons |credits=Price, Michael (writer); Moeller, Jennifer (director)|network=Fox |airdate=March 14, 2021|season=32|number=15}} Showrunner Matt Selman has addressed these contradictions, stating that no version is "official continuity" and that "they all kind of happened in their imaginary world", allowing viewers to choose the version they prefer.{{cite web | last=Bailey | first=Kat | title=The Simpsons: Matt Selman On Continuity And His Support For a Simpsons Hit & Run Remake | website=IGN | date=July 28, 2021 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/matt-selman-simpsons-hit-and-run-remake | access-date=January 3, 2025}}

Homer's age has fluctuated throughout The Simpsons due to its floating timeline. In the early episodes, he was thirty-four, increasing to thirty-six in season four, thirty-eight and thirty-nine in season eight, and forty by season eighteen, though these ages are inconsistent even within those seasons.{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=The Simpsons: How Old Homer Is (& How His Age Has Changed) | website=Screen Rant | date=October 14, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-show-homer-age-how-old/ | access-date=January 3, 2025}} In the episode "Duffless" (season four, 1993), Homer's driver's license lists his birthdate as May 12, 1956, making him 36 at the time.{{cite AV media|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season (DVD)|date=2004|people=Reiss, Mike; Jean, Al (writers); Reardon, Jim (director)|publisher=Fox|chapter=Commentary for "Duffless"}} During Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein's tenure as showrunners, they aged Homer to thirty-eight, reflecting their own aging and perception of the character. According to the episode guides The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family (1997) and Simpsons World: The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1–20 (2010), both authored by Groening, Homer's official age is 36.{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=10}}{{sfn|Groening|2010|p=14}} Homer stands {{convert|6|ft|2}} tall and weighs between 239 and 260 lbs (108{{En dash}}120 kg).{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=10}}{{sfn|Groening|2010|p=14}}

Character

= Creation =

File:Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore -retouch.jpg (pictured in 2009) conceived Homer in 1987.|alt=A man in glasses and a plaid shirt sits in front of a microphone.]]

Matt Groening first conceived Homer and the rest of the Simpson family in 1987 while waiting in the lobby of producer James L. Brooks's office.{{cite web | last=Thielman | first=Sam | title=Happy Birthd'oh!: The Simpsons Celebrates 30 Years of Cultural Milestones | website=The Guardian | date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203044608/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/19/the-simpsons-birthday-30-years-fox-history |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |url-status=live | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/19/the-simpsons-birthday-30-years-fox-history | access-date=November 24, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Bianculli | first=David | title=Simpson's Creator Matt Groening | publisher=NPR | date=February 14, 2003 | url=https://www.npr.org/2003/02/14/1162008/simpsons-creator-matt-groening | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201144554/https://www.npr.org/2003/02/14/1162008/simpsons-creator-matt-groening | url-status=live }} Groening was invited to pitch a series of animated shorts for The Tracey Ullman Show and initially planned to adapt his comic strip, Life in Hell. Upon realizing that adapting the strip would require him to relinquish publication rights, he quickly decided to create something new.{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Ivan | title=The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History | website=Vulture | date=November 29, 2016 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/11/the-most-unexpected-spinoffs-in-tv-history.html | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207183931/https://www.vulture.com/2016/11/the-most-unexpected-spinoffs-in-tv-history.html | url-status=live }} Groening hastily sketched a concept for a dysfunctional family,{{sfn|Sito|2006|p=305}}{{cite magazine|title=It's a Family Affair?|magazine=Spin|date=July 1990|page=67|volume=6|issue=4}} naming the characters after members of his own family.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=21}}{{cite web | last=Day | first=Patrick Kevin | title=Matt Groening's mom dies; maiden name Wiggum, she inspired Marge Simpson | website=Los Angeles Times | url-access=subscription | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-matt-groening-mom-marge-simpson-dies-20130507-story.html | access-date=December 21, 2024 | archive-date=May 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520081916/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-matt-groening-mom-marge-simpson-dies-20130507-story.html | url-status=live }} Groening named Homer after his father, who himself had been named after the ancient Greek poet.{{cite web | title=Simpsons creator reveals the real Springfield | work=Reuters | date=April 11, 2012 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/simpsons-creator-reveals-the-real-springfield-idUSBRE8391FZ/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}}{{sfn|Arras|2018|p=214}}{{sfn|Janak|Blum|2013|p=82}} Very little of Homer's character was inspired by Groening's father, and to emphasize that the significance of the name was minimal, Groening later named his own son Homer.{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=Rose|author-link=Joseph Rose (journalist)|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2003818762_realsimpsons030.html |title=The real people behind Homer Simpson and family |newspaper=The Oregonian |publisher=Oregonian Media Group|location=Portland, Oregon|date=August 3, 2007 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103120252/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2003818762_realsimpsons030.html |archive-date=January 3, 2008 }}{{cite news |first=Elizabeth|last=Kolbert|author-link=Elizabeth Kolbert|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE4DD1239F936A15751C0A965958260 |title=Matt Groening; The Fun of Being Bart's Real Dad |newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 25, 1993|access-date=September 3, 2008 }} Groening explained, "Homer originated with my goal to both amuse my real father, and just annoy him a little bit. My father was an athletic, creative, intelligent filmmaker and writer, and the only thing he had in common with Homer was a love of donuts".{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=The Simpsons: Matt Groening and Dan Castellaneta on EW's Greatest Character, Homer Simpson | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=June 9, 2010 | url=https://ew.com/article/2010/06/09/simpsons-matt-groening-dan-castellaneta-greatest-character-homer-simpson/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Moore | first=Sam | title=The Simpsons: 10 real-life inspirations behind the show's best-loved characters | website=NME | date=December 6, 2019 | url=https://www.nme.com/features/tv-features/the-simpsons-real-life-inspirations-behind-characters-springfield-2584343 | access-date=January 5, 2025}}

While Groening has often mentioned that Homer was named after his father, he has also stated in some interviews that the character Homer Simpson from Nathanael West's 1939 novel The Day of the Locust and its 1975 film adaptation was an inspiration.{{cite news |first=Rip|last=Rense|author-link=Rip Rense|title=Laughing With The Simpsons – The animated TV series shows us what's so funny about trying to be normal |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |publisher=Entertainment News Service|date=April 13, 1990}}{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Andrews|title=Groening's Bart Simpson an animated alter ego|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-10-16/features/9002190671_1_matt-groening-homer-simpson-animation|work=South Florida Sun-Sentinel|date=October 16, 1990|access-date=January 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042528/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-10-16/features/9002190671_1_matt-groening-homer-simpson-animation|archive-date=January 12, 2018|url-status=dead}} In a 2012 interview with the Smithsonian Magazine, Groening clarified, "I took that name from a minor character in the novel The Day of the Locust{{nbsp}}[...] Since Homer was my father's name, and I thought Simpson was a funny name in that it had the word "simp" in it, which is short for "simpleton"—I just went with it".{{cite web | title=Matt Groening Reveals the Location of the Real Springfield | website=Smithsonian Magazine | date=April 30, 2012 | url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/matt-groening-reveals-the-location-of-the-real-springfield-60583379/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}} Homer's middle initial "J", which stands for "Jay",{{sfn|Groening|2010|pp=480, 1096}}{{cite episode |title=D'oh-in' in the Wind |episode-link=D'oh-in' in the Wind |series=The Simpsons |credits=Cary, Donick; Kirkland, Mark; Nastuk, Matthew (writers)|network=Fox |airdate=November 15, 1998|season=10 |number=06}} is a nod to animated characters like Bullwinkle J. Moose and Rocket J. Squirrel from The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, whose middle initial was a tribute to series creator Jay Ward.{{sfn|Heerden|2015|p=214}}{{cite web | last=Bibby | first=Daniel | title=Bart & Homer Simpson's Names Subtly Honor Another Classic Cartoon | website=Screen Rant | date=February 11, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-honors-rocky-bullwinkle-character-names/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}} Homer first appeared alongside the Simpson family on April 19, 1987, in The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night".{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=14}}{{sfn|Ott|2008|p=83}} On December 17, 1989, these shorts were developed into The Simpsons, a half-hour series on the Fox Broadcasting Company,{{sfn|Groening|2010|p=25}}{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=181}} where Homer and the Simpson family became the central characters.{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=The Simpsons Season 35 Finally Addressed One Of The Show's Biggest Mysteries | website=Screen Rant | date=October 9, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-season-35-characters-age-mystery/ | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=September 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915224608/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-season-35-characters-age-mystery/ | url-status=live }}

= Design =

File:Homer Simpson design evolution.png" (1987), "Bathtime" (1989), and "There's No Disgrace Like Home" (1990).]]

Homer's typical attire includes a short-sleeved white shirt with an open collar, blue pants, and gray shoes. He is overweight and bald, with a fringe of hair around the sides and back of his head and two curly strands on top.

The Simpson family was designed to be easily recognizable in silhouette.{{cite web | title=25 Things You Never Knew About The Simpsons | first=Michael | last=Hogan | website=The Daily Telegraph | url-access=subscription | date=December 15, 2014 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/the-simpsons/11289466/25-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons.html | access-date=November 28, 2024 | archive-date=August 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820085806/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/the-simpsons/11289466/25-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=21 Things You Never Knew About The Simpsons | website=The Sydney Morning Herald | first=Michael | last=Hogan | date=December 27, 2014 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/21-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons-20141219-12b5jj.html | access-date=November 28, 2024}} The characters were initially crudely drawn because Groening submitted rough sketches to the animators, expecting them to refine the designs; instead, the animators simply traced over his original drawings.{{cite magazine | last1=Bachor | first1=Kenneth | last2=Lin | first2=Joseph C. | title=The 30 Best Celebrity Cameos on The Simpsons | magazine=Time | date=August 21, 2014 | url=https://time.com/3154233/simpsons-television-celebrity-entertainment/ | access-date=November 28, 2024 | archive-date=June 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606023744/https://time.com/3154233/simpsons-television-celebrity-entertainment/ | url-status=live }} Homer's appearance has been noted for its resemblance—intentional or not—to the cartoon character Adamsson, created by Swedish cartoonist Oscar Jacobsson in 1920.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=4}} When Groening originally designed Homer, he incorporated his initials into the character's features: the hairline resembled an "M", and the right ear resembled a "G". While this design was eventually modified to make the ear appear more natural, Groening continues to draw it as a "G" in sketches for fans.{{sfn|Groening|2001|p=90}} Director Mark Kirkland has described Homer's head shape as resembling a tube-shaped coffee can topped with a salad bowl.{{cite AV media|people=Archer, Wes; Groening, Matt; Kirkland, Mark (animators)|chapter=A Bit From the Animators: illustrated commentary for "Summer of 4 Ft. 2"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season (DVD)|date=2005|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=Fox}}

During The Simpsons shorts, animators experimented with Homer's mouth movements, at one point allowing his mouth to stretch beyond his beard line. However, this approach was abandoned when it became overly exaggerated.{{cite AV media|people=Silverman, David; Archer, Wes (directors)|chapter=Illustrated commentary for "Treehouse of Horror IV"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD)|date=2004|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}} In early episodes, Homer's hair was more rounded to suggest a disheveled look, but it evolved into the consistently pointed style seen today. During the first three seasons, close-up shots of Homer occasionally included small lines meant to represent eyebrows. Groening disliked this detail, and the lines were eventually removed.{{cite AV media |people= Groening, Matt; Isaacs, David; Levine, Ken; Reiss, Mike; Kirkland, Mark (writers) |chapter= Commentary for "Dancin' Homer |title=The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season (DVD) |date=2002 |location= Los Angeles, California |publisher= 20th Century Fox}}

In the season seven (1995) episode "Treehouse of Horror VI", Bart, alongside Homer, was rendered as a three-dimensional character for the first time in the "Homer³" segment of the episode. The computer animation was provided by Pacific Data Images. In the final minute of the segment, the three-dimensional Homer transitions into a live-action setting, finding himself in real-world Los Angeles. Directed by David Mirkin, this marked the first instance of a Simpsons character appearing in the real world within the series.{{cite news|last1=Oakley|first1=Bill|author-link1=Bill Oakley|last2=Weinstein|first2=Josh|author-link2=Josh Weinstein|last3=Johnson|first3=Tim|author-link3=Tim Johnson (film director)|last4=Silverman|first4=David|author-link4=David Silverman (animator)|last5=Mirkin|first5=David|author-link5=David Mirkin|last6=Cohen|first6=David X.|author-link6=David X. Cohen|title="Homer in the Third Dimension" (2005), In The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season|publisher=20th Century Home Entertainment}} In "Lisa's Wedding" (season six, 1995), which is set fifteen years in the future, Homer's design was modified to reflect his older age. Changes included increased weight, the removal of one hair from the top of his head, and the addition of an extra line under his eye. This older design has since been used in subsequent flashforward episodes.{{cite AV media|people=Mirkin, David (director)|chapter=Commentary for "Lisa's Wedding|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season (DVD)|date=2005|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}}

= Voice =

File:Dan Castellaneta 2.jpg (pictured in 2002) voices Homer.]]

Homer's voice is provided by Dan Castellaneta.{{sfn|Browning|Picart|2014|p=166}}{{sfn|Terrace|2014|p=300}} Castellaneta also voices several other characters on The Simpsons, including Grampa Simpson,{{sfn|Pike|2014|p=73}} Krusty the Clown,{{cite journal | last1=Farrokh Baroughi | first1=Alireza | last2=Craver | first2=Scott | editor-first1=Adnan M. | editor-first2=Nasir D. | editor-first3=Chad D. | editor-last1=Alattar | editor-last2=Memon | editor-last3=Heitzenrater | title=The non-trusty clown attack on model-based speaker recognition systems | date=March 4, 2015 | doi=10.1117/12.2083412 | page=155 | journal=The Journal of Electronic Imaging| series=Media Watermarking, Security, and Forensics 2015 | volume=9409 | bibcode=2015SPIE.9409E..04F }} including Barney Gumble,{{cite magazine | last=Boardman | first=Madeline | title='The Simpsons': See the voice actors behind your favorite characters | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=April 29, 2016 | url=https://ew.com/gallery/the-simpsons-voices-actors/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}} Groundskeeper Willie,{{sfn|Lawson|Persons|2009|p=111}} Mayor Quimby,{{sfn|Martone|2016|p=328}} and Hans Moleman.{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=The Simpsons: Hans Moleman Is A Clone Theory Explained | website=Screen Rant | date=April 4, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-show-hans-moleman-clones-theory-explained/ | access-date=January 5, 2025}}

Castellaneta, a regular cast member on The Tracey Ullman Show, had prior experience in voice-over work, which he had done in Chicago alongside his wife, Deb Lacusta. When voices were needed for The Simpsons shorts, the producers chose Castellaneta and fellow cast member Julie Kavner to voice Homer and Marge, respectively, opting not to hire additional actors.{{cite news|first=Lynn|last=Elber|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/doh-the-voice-of-homer-is-deceivingly-deadpan|title=D'oh!: The Voice of Homer Is Deceivingly Deadpan|website=Fox News Channel|publisher=News Corporation|date=August 18, 2007|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703090128/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C129665%2C00.html|archive-date=July 3, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Luaine|last=Lee|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/27/1046064146568.html|title=D'oh, you're the voice|work=The Age|date=February 27, 2003|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102224412/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/27/1046064146568.html|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=live}} In the shorts and the first season of the half-hour series, Homer's voice differed noticeably from its later incarnation. Initially, it was modeled as a loose impression of Walter Matthau but Castellaneta found it challenging to maintain the Matthau-inspired tone during the nine- to ten-hour recording sessions and sought a more sustainable approach. By the second and third seasons, Castellaneta had "dropped the voice down" and developed it into a more versatile and humorous style, enabling Homer to express a broader range of emotions.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Brownfield|url=http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta99.html|title=He's Homer, but This Odyssey Is His Own |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=July 6, 1999 |access-date=September 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512004132/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta99.html |archive-date=May 12, 2008 }}

Castellaneta's natural speaking voice bears no resemblance to Homer's.{{cite news|last=Harden|first=Mark |url=http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta00.html |title='Simpsons' voice Dan Castellaneta has some surprises for Aspen fest |work=The Denver Post |date=February 9, 2000 |access-date=September 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710115213/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta00.html |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }} To create Homer's voice, Castellaneta lowers his chin to his chest and adopts what he describes as a state of "letting his I.Q. go".{{cite AV media|people=Mirkin, David|year=2004|title=Commentary for "Bart's Inner Child", in The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season [DVD]|publisher=20th Century Fox}} This method has even led to ad-libs, including the famous "S-M-R-T; I mean, S-M-A-R-T!" line from "Homer Goes to College" (season five, 1993), which stemmed from a genuine recording mistake.{{cite AV media|people=Castellaneta, Dan (actor)|chapter=Commentary for "Bart's Inner Child"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD)|date=2004|publisher=20th Century Fox}} Castellaneta prefers to stay in character during recording sessions and visualizes scenes to deliver the appropriate vocal performance.{{cite news|first=Terry|last=Morrow|url=http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jun/23/voice-homer-simpson-leads-his-own-simple-life/ |title=Voice of Homer Simpson leads his own, simple life |newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|publisher=Scripps Howard News Service |date=June 23, 2007| access-date=September 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012024317/http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jun/23/voice-homer-simpson-leads-his-own-simple-life/ |archive-date=October 12, 2013 }}{{cite AV media|people=Castellaneta, Dan (actor)| chapter=Commentary for "Homer the Great|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season (DVD)|date=2005|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}} Despite Homer's widespread fame, Castellaneta says he is rarely recognized in public—unless by an especially dedicated fan. In "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" (season five, 1993), Homer's voice was partially performed by someone other than Castellaneta. The episode follows Homer forming a barbershop quartet called the Be Sharps, with his singing voice provided at times by a member of the Dapper Dans.{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=120}} The Dapper Dans recorded the singing parts for all four members of the group, blending their vocals with the regular voice actors. Often, a primary voice actor sang the melody while the Dapper Dans provided harmonic backup.{{cite AV media|people=Martin, Jeff (writer)|chapter=Commentary for "Homer's Barbershop Quartet"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD)|date=2004|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}}

Castellaneta was initially paid US$30,000 per episode for his work on The Simpsons until 1998.{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Patrick | title=D'oh! Simpsons go on strike | website=The Guardian | date=April 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/apr/01/broadcasting.uknews | access-date=January 27, 2025}} That year, a pay dispute arose, during which Fox threatened to replace the six main voice actors and even began preparing for new casting.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|title=Simpsons Actors Demand Bigger Share|access-date=October 26, 2008|date=April 3, 2004|last=Glaister|first=Dan|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202171844/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|archive-date=December 2, 2008|url-status=live}}

{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=Harry Shearer to Exit The Simpsons? | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=May 8, 2015 | url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/08/harry-shearer-exiting-simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204005526/https://ew.com/article/2015/05/08/harry-shearer-exiting-simpsons/ |url-status=live}} The conflict was ultimately resolved, and Castellaneta salary increased to $125,000 per episode.{{cite web | title=Simpsons cast sign new pay deal | publisher=BBC | date=June 3, 2008 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/entertainment/7434296.stm | access-date=January 27, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Stowe | first=Dusty | title=How Much Does The Cast Of The Simpsons Get Paid? | website=Screen Rant | date=October 2, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-cast-salary-paid/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=March 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325185357/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-cast-salary-paid/ |url-status=live}} In 2004, the voice cast pushed for higher wages, seeking $360,000 per episode.{{cite web | title=D'oh! Am I Underpaid?; Negotiations Are Stalled for Voice Actors in The Simpsons | website=The New York Times | url-access=subscription | first=Bernard | last=Weinraub | author-link=Bernard Weinraub | date=April 14, 2004 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/14/arts/d-oh-am-i-underpaid-negotiations-are-stalled-for-voice-actors-in-the-simpsons.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204163825/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/14/arts/d-oh-am-i-underpaid-negotiations-are-stalled-for-voice-actors-in-the-simpsons.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Block |first=Alex Ben |title=The Simpsons Pay Disputes |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 11, 2011 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-pay-disputes-246835/ |access-date=January 27, 2025 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203065624/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-pay-disputes-246835/ |url-status=live}} After a brief argument, the dispute was settled, and Castellaneta's pay was raised to $250,000 per episode.{{cite web | last=Collins | first=Scott | title=Simpsons Cast, Fox Reach Deal | website=Los Angeles Times | url-access=subscription | date=May 1, 2004 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-01-fi-simpsons1-story.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203220257/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-01-fi-simpsons1-story.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Voices Carry at Fox | website=Variety | date=May 2, 2004 | url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/voices-carry-at-fox-1117904168/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=October 18, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018054719/https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/voices-carry-at-fox-1117904168/ |url-status=live}} In 2008, further negotiations increased the cast's salaries to approximately $400,000 per episode.{{cite web | last=Byrne | first=Ciar | title=Homer's No Loser with a Voice Worth $400,000 Per Show | website=The Independent | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/homer-s-no-loser-with-a-voice-worth-400-000-per-show-839589.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203132550/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/homer-s-no-loser-with-a-voice-worth-400-000-per-show-839589.html |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine | last=Wortham | first=Jenna | title=Simpsons Ink Deal for 20th Season, Score More D'Oh | magazine=WIRED | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.wired.com/2008/06/simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207143546/https://www.wired.com/2008/06/simpsons/ |url-status=live}} However, in 2011, Fox demanded production cost reductions, threatening to cancel the series if costs were not cut. In response, Castellaneta and the other main cast members agreed to a 30{{nbsp}}percent pay reduction, lowering their per-episode earnings to just over $300,000.{{cite news|last=Block|first=Alex Ben|title=The Simpsons Renewed for Two More Seasons|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 7, 2011|archive-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125073424/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748|url-status=live}} According to Backstage, he was the sixth highest-paid voice actor by late 2024.{{cite web | last=Reynolds | first=Robin | title=The 15 Highest-Paid Voice Actors | website=Backstage | date=November 18, 2024 | url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-15-highest-paid-voice-actors-77980/ | access-date=January 27, 2025}}

= Character development =

Executive producer Al Jean observes that in The Simpsons writers' room, "everyone loves writing for Homer", with many of his antics inspired by the writers' own experiences.{{cite news|first=Todd|last=Leopold|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/13/simpsons.300/index.html|title=The Simpsons Rakes in the D'oh!|publisher=CNN|date=February 13, 2003|access-date=September 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210182915/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/13/simpsons.300/index.html|archive-date=December 10, 2008|url-status=live}} In the show's early seasons, Bart was the main character, but by the fourth season, Homer took on a more prominent role. Groening explained this shift: "With Homer, there's just a wider range of jokes you can do. And there are far more drastic consequences to Homer's stupidity. There's only so far you can go with a juvenile delinquent. We wanted Bart to do anything up to the point of him being tried in court an adult. But Homer is an adult, and his boneheaded-ness is funnier. [...] Homer is launching himself headfirst into every single impulsive thought that occurs to him".{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Snierson|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/09/simpsons-matt-groening-dan-castellaneta-greatest-character-homer-simpson/|title=The Simpsons: Matt Groening and Dan Castellaneta on EW's Greatest Character, Homer Simpson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 9, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819172650/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/09/simpsons-matt-groening-dan-castellaneta-greatest-character-homer-simpson/|archive-date=August 19, 2012|url-status=live}}

File:Mike Scully by Gage Skidmore.jpg's (pictured) tenure as executive producer, Homer exhibited a more aggressive "jerkass" attitude.]]

Homer's character has evolved significantly over the course of The Simpsons. Initially, he was portrayed as "very angry" and domineering toward Bart, but these traits were softened as his personality was developed further.{{cite AV media|people=Groening, Matt (writer)|chapter=Commentary for "Marge on the Lam|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD)|date=2004|publisher=20th Century Fox}} In the early seasons, Homer often worried that his family might embarrass him, but in later episodes, he became less concerned with others' opinions.{{cite AV media |people=Reiss, Mike (writer) |chapter= Commentary for "There's No Disgrace Like Home |title=The Simpsons: The Complete First Season (DVD)|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}} During the show's first years, Homer was depicted as dim-witted yet well-meaning. As noted by Jon Bonné of Today, somewhere around the seventh season, his behavior shifted toward being a "boorish, self-aggrandizing oaf".{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Bonné |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/simpsons-has-lost-its-cool-wbna3341530 |title=The Simpsons has lost its cool |date=October 2, 2000 |access-date=September 5, 2008 |work=Today}} Chris Suellentrop of Slate observed, "Under Mike Scully's tenure [as executive producer], The Simpsons became, well, a cartoon.{{nbsp}}[...] Episodes that once would have ended with Homer and Marge bicycling into the sunset now end with Homer blowing a tranquilizer dart into Marge's neck".{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Suellentrop|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2078501/|title=The Simpsons: Who turned America's Best TV Show into a Cartoon?|magazine=Slate|access-date=September 27, 2008|date=February 12, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617122059/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2003/02/the_simpsons.html|archive-date=June 17, 2012|url-status=live}} Fans have labeled this version of the character as "Jerkass Homer".{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=The Simpsons Jerkass Homer Explained | website=Screen Rant | date=February 12, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-jerkass-homer-explained/ | access-date=January 27, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Alicia|last=Ritchey|url=http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2006/03/28/Arts/Matt-Groening.Did.You.Brain.Your.Damage-1751361.shtml |title=Matt Groening, did you brain your damage? |date=March 28, 2006 |access-date=March 13, 2008 |newspaper=The Lantern |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419110117/http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2006/03/28/Arts/Matt-Groening.Did.You.Brain.Your.Damage-1751361.shtml |archive-date=April 19, 2008 }} At recording sessions, Castellaneta has occasionally rejected lines from the script that he felt made Homer too cruel. He believes Homer is "boorish and unthinking, but he'd never be mean on purpose".{{cite web | title=There's nobody like him... except you, me, everyone | newspaper=The Times | last=McIntosh | first=Lindsay | url-access=subscription | date=July 8, 2007 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/theres-nobody-like-him-except-you-me-everyone-6b05sctmwbh | access-date=January 27, 2025}} When The Simpsons Movie (2007) was being edited, several scenes were adjusted to make Homer more sympathetic.{{cite AV media|people=Brooks, James L. (director); Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Scully, Mike; Silverman, David (writers); Castellaneta, Dan; Smith, Yeardley (actors)|date=2007| title=Commentary for The Simpsons Movie (DVD)|publisher=20th Century Fox}}

Over the years, the writers have portrayed Homer with increasingly declining intelligence.{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=The Simpsons Season 35's Ending Finally Solved A 30-Year Old Homer Mystery | website=Screen Rant | date=May 22, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-season-35-episode-18-homer-intelligence-deteriorating-explained/ | access-date=April 13, 2025}}{{cite AV media|people=Oakley, Bill; Weinstein, Josh; Vitti, Jon; Meyer, George (Writers)|date=2006| chapter=Commentary for "The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season (DVD)|publisher=20th Century Fox}} They explain this was not done intentionally but became necessary to surpass earlier jokes. For instance, in "When You Dish Upon a Star" (season 10, 1998), Homer admits he cannot read. Although this contradicts earlier scenes where Homer is shown reading, the writers decided to keep the gag because they found it funny. The team often debates how far to take Homer's stupidity, with one suggested guideline being that "he can never forget his own name".{{cite AV media|people=Scully, Mike; Hauge, Ron; Selman, Matt; Appel, Rich; Michels, Pete (Writers)|chapter=Commentary for "When You Dish Upon a Star"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Tenth Season (DVD)|date=2007|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}}

= Personality =

The comedic appeal of Homer's character stems from his frequent displays of bumbling stupidity, laziness, and explosive temper. With a low intelligence level, director David Silverman has described him as "creatively brilliant in his stupidity". Homer is characterized by his immense apathy towards work, overweight weight, love for food, and short attention span.{{cite AV media |people=Groening, Matt; Scully, Mike; Jean, Al; Brooks, James L.; Silverman, David (writers) |title=The Simpsons Movie: A Look Behind the Scenes |date=2007 |type=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}} He frequently spends his evenings drinking Duff Beer at Moe's Tavern and, as depicted in the episode "Duffless" (season four, 1993), has exhibited signs of full-blown alcoholism.{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=84}}{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=84}}{{cite episode |title=Duffless |episode-link=Duffless |series=The Simpsons |credits=Stern, David M.; Reardon, Jim |network=Fox |airdate=February 18, 1993 |season=4 |number=16}} A recurring gag throughout the series involves Homer impulsively strangling Bart whenever he aggravates him, often accompanied by his catchphrase, "Why you little—!".{{sfn|Roache|2023|p=199}}{{cite web | last=Buncombe | first=Andrew | title='Times have changed': The Simpsons drop Homer strangling Bart gag | website=The Daily Telegraph | url-access=subscription | date=November 3, 2023 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/03/simpsons-homer-bart-strangling-scene-springfleld/ | access-date=February 12, 2025}} According to series creator Groening, Homer's strangling of Bart was never meant to be premeditated, as that would make it seem sadistic. Instead, it was made that Homer acts purely on impulse, easily switching from anger to indifference.{{cite AV media|people=Groening, Matt (writer)|chapter=Commentary for "Simpson and Delilah"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season (DVD)|date=2002|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}} Groening initially considered making Homer always receive a punishment or having Bart retaliate, but this was discarded. In the episode "McMansion & Wife" (season 35, 2023), Homer states that he no longer strangles Bart, citing changing times. However, the show's executive producers later clarified that Homer still strangles Bart, humorously noting, "Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart".{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Did The Simpsons Really Ban Homer From Strangling Bart? Producers Call Out 'Clickbaiting' Reports in New Drawing (Exclusive) | website=Variety | date=November 9, 2023 | url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-simpsons-homer-strangling-bart-producers-respond-1235781806/ | access-date=February 12, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Bailey | first=Kat | title=Simpsons Creator Calls Reports that Homer Is Done Strangling Bart 'Clickbaiting' | website=IGN | date=November 10, 2023 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/simpsons-creator-calls-reports-that-homer-is-done-strangling-bart-clickbaiting | access-date=February 12, 2025}}

File:HomerStranglesBart.jpg

Homer has nuanced relationships with his family. His relationship with Bart is the most contentious;{{cite web | last=Heritage | first=Stuart | title=Homer Has Stopped Strangling Bart in The Simpsons and it's About Time | website=The Guardian | date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220032316/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/nov/07/homer-strangle-bart-simpsons | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/nov/07/homer-strangle-bart-simpsons | access-date=December 18, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=The Simpsons: 10 Bart And Marge Moments That Broke Our Hearts | website=Screen Rant | date=August 22, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-bart-marge-moments-broke-hearts/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=October 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029183916/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-bart-marge-moments-broke-hearts/ | url-status=live }} Bart frequently calls Homer by his first name rather than "Dad",{{sfn|Jackson|Moshin|2013|p=184}} and Homer often refers to him dismissively as "the boy".{{cite web | last=Deb | first=Sopan | title=Is Homer Simpson a Good Dad Now? | website=The New York Times | url-access=subscription | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/arts/television/homer-simpson-bart-strangle.html | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=November 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120192517/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/arts/television/homer-simpson-bart-strangle.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Ever Wonder What an Interview with Homer Simpson Will Be Like? Read on | website=Hindustan Times | date=September 26, 2014 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/ever-wonder-what-an-interview-with-homer-simpson-will-be-like-read-on/story-4pQublmzHDc33btEldCeBM.html | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=February 15, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215075554/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/ever-wonder-what-an-interview-with-homer-simpson-will-be-like-read-on/story-4pQublmzHDc33btEldCeBM.html | url-status=live }} Homer frequently overlooks Lisa's talents but, when confronted with his neglect, goes out of his way to support her.{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=The Simpsons: 10 Best Homer & Lisa Episodes | website=Screen Rant | date=May 9, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-best-homer-lisa-episodes/ | access-date=February 12, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=The Simpsons{{'}} Original Lisa Plan Would've Been Much Worse | website=Screen Rant | date=April 19, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-lisa-original-plan-bart-similar-idea-bad/ | access-date=February 12, 2025}} The episode "And Maggie Makes Three" (season six, 1995) reveals she is the main reason Homer took and continues to work at his regular job.{{cite episode |title=And Maggie Makes Three |episode-link=And Maggie Makes Three |series=The Simpsons |credits=Crittenden, Jennifer (writer); Scott, Swinton (director) |network=Fox |airdate=January 22, 1995 |season=6 |number=13}} While Homer's thoughtless antics often frustrate his family, he has proven himself to be a loving husband;{{cite web | last=Heritage | first=Stuart | title='A woman trapped in an impossibly unhappy marriage': should Marge divorce Homer? | website=The Guardian | date=July 12, 2021 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/12/should-marge-divorce-homer | access-date=March 10, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Alfar | first=Ramon Paolo Zabala | title=The Simpsons: Why Homer Got Worse And Worse | website=Screen Rant | date=September 14, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-ways-homer-got-worse-unlikable/ | access-date=March 10, 2025}} for instance, in "A Milhouse Divided" (season eight, 1996), Homer arranged a surprise second wedding with Marge to make up for their unsatisfactory first ceremony.{{cite episode|title=A Milhouse Divided|episode-link=A Milhouse Divided|series=The Simpsons|credits=Moore, Steven Dean; Tompkins, Steve|network=Fox|airdate=December 1, 1996|season=08|number=06}} He has a strained relationship with his father, Abraham "Grampa" Simpson, and Homer quickly placed him in a nursing home.{{cite web | last=Littlechild | first=Chris | title=The Simpsons: 10 Worst Things Grandpa Simpson Ever Did To Homer | website=Screen Rant | date=July 21, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-worst-things-grandpa-simpson-ever-did-to-homer/ | access-date=March 22, 2025}}{{cite episode |title=Lisa's First Word |episode-link=Lisa's First Word |series=The Simpsons |credits=Martin, Jeff (writer); Kirkland, Mark (director) |network=Fox |airdate=December 3, 1992 |season=4 |number=10}}{{cite episode |title=Old Money |episode-link=Old Money (The Simpsons) |series=The Simpsons|credits=Kogen, Jay (writer); Wolodarsky, Wallace (writer); Silverman, David (director)|network=Fox |airdate=March 28, 1991 |season=2 |number=17}}

Homer was described by The Times as "a (happy) slave to his various appetites".{{cite web | title=Who's the Daddy? | url-access=subscription | website=The Times | date=August 28, 2004 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/whos-the-daddy-85d9hwf69qt | access-date=February 16, 2025}} He is known for his consistent ignorance, forgetfulness, and general stupidity.{{cite web | last=Costandi | first=Mo | title=The Homer Simpson effect: forgetting to remember | website=The Guardian | date=April 24, 2015 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2015/apr/24/the-homer-simpson-effect-forgetting-to-remember | access-date=February 16, 2025}}{{sfn|Nodelman|2008|p=50}} Homer's low intelligence quotient (IQ) of 55{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=55}} has been attributed to several factors, including the hereditary "Simpson gene" (which causes male family members to become increasingly stupid over time){{sfn|Irwin|Conard|Skoble|2010|p=}} and a crayon lodged in his brain's frontal lobe.{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|pp=51–53}} In the episode "HOMR" (season 12, 2001), Homer has the crayon removed, temporarily raising his IQ to 105.{{sfn|MacPherson|Sala|Cox|Girardi|2015|p=5}}{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=55}} This improvement allows him to bond with Lisa, but his newfound intelligence ultimately makes him unhappy, leading him to have the crayon reinserted.{{cite episode |title=HOMR |episode-link=HOMR |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Jean, Al (writer); Anderson, Mike B. (director)|network=Fox |airdate=January 7, 2001 |season=12 |number=9}} In 2015, it was revealed that Homer has narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.{{cite web | first=Carina | last=Storrs | title=It's not just the Duff making Homer Simpson sleepy – he has narcolepsy | website=CNN | date=September 25, 2015 | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/25/health/narcolepsy-homer-simpson/index.html | access-date=February 23, 2025}}

Producer Mike Reiss said Homer was his favorite Simpsons character to write: "Homer's just a comedy writer's dream. He has everything wrong with him, every comedy trope. He's fat and bald and stupid and lazy and angry and an alcoholic. I'm pretty sure he embodies all seven deadly sins". John Swartzwelder, who wrote 60 episodes, said he wrote Homer as if he were "a big talking dog ... One moment he's the saddest man in the world, because he's just lost his job, or dropped his sandwich, or accidentally killed his family. Then, the next moment, he's the happiest man in the world, because he's just found a penny — maybe under one of his dead family members ... If you write him as a dog you'll never go wrong".{{Cite magazine|last=Sacks|first=Mike|title=John Swartzwelder, sage of The Simpsons|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/john-swartzwelder-sage-of-the-simpsons|access-date=2021-05-02|magazine=The New Yorker|date=May 2, 2021|language=en-US}} Reiss felt this was insightful, saying: "Homer is just pure emotion, no long-term memory, everything is instant gratification. And, you know, has good dog qualities, too. I think, loyalty, friendliness, and just kind of continuous optimism".{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpr.org/longtime-showrunner-writer-goes-behind-scenes-simpsons|title=Longtime Showrunner, Writer Goes Behind the Scenes of The Simpsons|last=Gordon|first=Doug|date=August 8, 2018|publisher=Wisconsin Public Radio|access-date=January 7, 2020}}

Reception

= Cultural influence, reception, and commendations =

{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by The Simpsons|l1=List of awards and nominations received by The Simpsons}}

Homer is widely regarded as one of the most popular and iconic characters in television history. In 2007, USA Today recognized Homer Simpson as one of the "top 25 most influential people of the past 25 years", stating that he "epitomized the irony and irreverence at the core of American humor".{{cite news|first=Susan|last=Page|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/top25-influential.htm|title=Most influential people|newspaper=USA Today|date=September 3, 2007|access-date=September 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808091129/http://www.usatoday.com/news/top25-influential.htm|archive-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live}} In 2003, Robert Thompson, director of Syracuse University's Center for the Study of Popular Television, predicts that "three centuries from now, English professors are going to be regarding Homer Simpson as one of the greatest creations in human storytelling".{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Baker|url=http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-ca-baker16feb16,0,6396736.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels |title=The real first family |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=February 16, 2003 |access-date=September 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005100206/http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-ca-baker16feb16%2C0%2C6396736.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels |archive-date=October 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Animation historian Jerry Beck described Homer as one of the best animated characters, saying, "you know someone like it, or you identify with (it)", which he believed is key to a classic character.{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters/index.html |title=Bugs Bunny tops greatest cartoon characters list |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 25, 2007 |date=July 30, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305100641/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters/index.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }} The Sunday Times has hailed Homer as "the greatest comic creation of [modern] time," emphasizing his universal appeal. The article noted, "Every age needs its great, consoling failure, its lovable, pretension-free mediocrity. And we have ours in Homer Simpson".

Homer's impact on comedy and culture has been significant. In 2010, Entertainment Weekly named him "the greatest character of the last 20 years".{{cite web|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/01/100-greatest-characters-of-last-20-years-full-list/|title=The 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years: Here's our full list!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 1, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126165142/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/01/100-greatest-characters-of-last-20-years-full-list/|archive-date=January 26, 2013|url-status=live}} In TV Guide's 2002 list of the "Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters", he was ranked second, behind Bugs Bunny. He also placed fifth on Bravo's "100 Greatest TV Characters", one of only four animated characters included.{{cite web |url=http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters//index.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015070449/http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |archive-date=October 15, 2007 |title=The 100 Greatest TV Characters |publisher=Bravo |access-date=September 21, 2008}} Homer topped a Channel 4 poll ranking the greatest television characters of all time.{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/tv_characters/results.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531160558/http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/tv_characters/results.html |archive-date=May 31, 2009 |title=100 Greatest TV Characters |access-date=December 31, 2007 |publisher=Channel 4}} In 2007, Entertainment Weekly ranked Homer ninth on its list of the "50 Greatest TV Icons" and later placed him first on its 2010 list of the "Top 100 Characters of the Past Twenty Years".{{cite news|url=https://www.ew.com/gallery/50-greatest-tv-icons|title=The 50 Greatest TV Icons|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 13, 2007|access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816162116/https://www.ew.com/gallery/50-greatest-tv-icons/|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/01/100-greatest-characters-of-last-20-years-full-list/?ew_packageID=20389040 |title=The 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years: Here's our full list! |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |author=Vary, Adam B |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611043350/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/01/100-greatest-characters-of-last-20-years-full-list/?ew%5FpackageID=20389040 |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} British polls conducted by the BBC also named Homer the "greatest American" and the fictional character voters would most like to see as President of the United States.{{cite web | title=Homer eyes 'best American' prize | publisher=BBC News | date=June 13, 2003 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2985728.stm | access-date=February 23, 2025}}{{cite web | title=Presidential poll win for Homer | website=BBC News | date=October 25, 2004 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3952239.stm | access-date=February 23, 2025}} His relationship with Marge was further recognized in TV Guide's list of "The Best TV Couples of All Time".{{cite web |title=Couples Pictures, The Simpsons Photos – Photo Gallery: The Best TV Couples of All Time |url=https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/best-tv-couples-1026715/photo/2642d09c-58ed-4a7e-917e-cf06f6066e03/ |publisher=TV Guide |access-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201044920/http://www.tvguide.com/galleries/best-tv-couples-1026715/photo/2642d09c-58ed-4a7e-917e-cf06f6066e03/ |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=dead}} In 2022, Paste writers ranked Homer as the second-greatest cartoon character of all time.{{cite web | url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-50-best-cartoon-characters-of-all-time/#2-homer-j-simpson-the-simpsons | title=The 50 Best Cartoon Characters of All Time | date=May 10, 2010 | access-date=April 4, 2022 | archive-date=April 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404051515/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-50-best-cartoon-characters-of-all-time/#2-homer-j-simpson-the-simpsons | url-status=dead | first1=Joseph | last1=Stanichar | first2=Josh |last2=Jackson | website=Paste }}

Although Homer is often regarded as a reflection of American culture, his influence extends worldwide. In 2003, Groening revealed that his father, Homer Groening—after whom the character was named—was Canadian, suggesting that Homer could also be considered Canadian.{{cite news |url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/020718/6/npt8.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021005145459/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/020718/6/npt8.html |archive-date=October 5, 2002 |first=Nelson|last=Wyatt|title=Don't have a cow! Homer Simpson is Canadian, creator says |format=News article |access-date=March 4, 2013 |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=July 18, 2003}} As a result, the character was granted honorary citizenship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, based on the belief that Homer Groening was from there, though records indicate he was actually born in Saskatchewan.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/homer-simpson-to-become-an-honourary-winnipegger-1.411786 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610195503/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2003/05/30/homer300503.html |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |title=Homer Simpson to become an {{Sic |nolink=y|honou|rary |expected=honorary}} Winnipegger |access-date=January 19, 2008 |date=May 30, 2003 |url-status=live |publisher=CBC News}} In 2007, as part of a promotion for The Simpsons Movie, an image of Homer was painted next to the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, England. This sparked controversy among local neopagan groups, who performed "rain magic" in an attempt to wash the image away.{{cite web | title=Wish for rain to wash away Homer | publisher=BBC News | date=July 16, 2007 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/6901543.stm | access-date=February 23, 2025}}

File:The Simpsons star.jpg.]]

Dan Castellaneta has received multiple awards for his portrayal of Homer, including four Primetime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Voice-Over Performance". He won in 1992 for "Lisa's Pony",{{cite web | last=King | first=Darryn | title=Why Lisa Simpson Matters | website=Vanity Fair | date=February 26, 2018 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/why-lisa-simpson-matters?srsltid=AfmBOooUKIl1TYOVtCFOBe7SlQuGIAgJIf2My2eIqIe6ZwvFxGWRUgvh | access-date=February 23, 2025}} in 1993 for "Mr. Plow",{{sfn|Gitlin|2013|p=104}} in 2004 for "Today I Am a Clown",{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Emmy speaks for Homer | website=Variety | date=August 11, 2004 | url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/awards/emmy-speaks-for-homer-1117908929/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}} and in 2009 for "Father Knows Worst".{{cite web | title=Tina Fey wins Emmy award for Sarah Palin spoof | work=Reuters | date=September 13, 2009 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emmys-idUSTRE58C09Y20090913/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}} However, his 2004 Emmy win was for voicing various characters, not solely Homer. In 2010, Castellaneta received a fifth Emmy nomination for his performances as both Homer and Grampa Simpson in "Thursdays with Abie".{{cite web | title=62nd Primetime Emmy Award Nominations | publisher=CBS News | date=July 8, 2010 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/62nd-primetime-emmy-award-nominations/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}} Castellaneta was honored with a Annie Award in 1993 for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Field of Animation" for his work on The Simpsons.{{cite web | title=Dan Castellaneta Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards | publisher=TV Guide | date=October 29, 1957 | url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dan-castellaneta/bio/3000385121/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}} In 2004, he and Julie Kavner (the voice of Marge) won a Young Artist Award for "Most Popular Mom & Dad in a TV Series".{{cite web | last=March | first=Catherine Dawson | title=Degrassi scores a coup at U.S. TV awards | website=The Globe and Mail | date=May 18, 2004 | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/degrassi-scores-a-coup-at-us-tv-awards/article18265334/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}} In 2000, Homer and the rest of the Simpson family were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard.{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=11}}{{cite web | title=Matt Groening | publisher=Hollywood Walk of Fame | date=October 25, 2019 | url=https://walkoffame.com/matt-groening/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}} Homer has also been referenced in scientific literature, particularly in discussions of cognitive function. A 2010 study conducted at Emory University found that the RGS14 gene appeared to impair cognitive development in mice—while disabling the gene led to improved cognitive abilities. This led researchers to nickname it the "Homer Simpson gene".{{cite web | last=Fisher | first=Max | title=Scientists Discover 'The Homer Simpson Gene' | website=The Atlantic | date=September 21, 2010 | url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2010/09/scientists-discover-the-homer-simpson-gene/340027/ | access-date=February 23, 2025}}

=Analysis=

Homer is an "everyman" and embodies several American stereotypes of working class blue-collar men: he is crude, overweight, incompetent, dim-witted, childish, clumsy and a borderline alcoholic.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=78–79}} Groening describes him as "completely ruled by his impulses".{{cite news |title=Person of the Week: Matt Groening |work=ABC News |date=July 27, 2007 |url=http://a.abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=3422830&page=1 |access-date=September 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723093621/http://a.abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=3422830&page=1 |archive-date=July 23, 2011 |url-status=live}} Castellaneta calls him "a dog trapped in a man's body", adding, "He's incredibly loyal—not entirely clean—but you gotta love him."

In his book Planet Simpson, author Chris Turner describes Homer as "the most American of the Simpsons" and believes that while the other Simpson family members could be changed to other nationalities, Homer is "pure American".{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=80}} In the book God in the Details: American Religion in Popular Culture, the authors comment that "Homer's progress (or lack thereof) reveals a character who can do the right thing, if accidentally or begrudgingly."{{cite book |first1=Eric Michael |last1=Mazur |first2=Kate |last2=McCarthy |title=God in the Details: American Religion in Popular Culture |publisher=Routledge |location=New York City |date=2001 |isbn=978-0-415-92564-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/godindetailsamer00mazu/page/243 243] |url=https://archive.org/details/godindetailsamer00mazu/page/243 }} The book The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer includes a chapter analyzing Homer's character from the perspective of Aristotelian virtue ethics. Raja Halwani writes that Homer's "love of life" is an admirable character trait, "for many people are tempted to see in Homer nothing but buffoonery and immorality. ... He is not politically correct, he is more than happy to judge others, and he certainly does not seem to be obsessed with his health. These qualities might not make Homer an admirable person, but they do make him admirable in some ways, and, more importantly, makes us crave him and the Homer Simpsons of this world."Halwani, pp. 22–23 In 2008, Entertainment Weekly justified designating The Simpsons as a television classic by stating, "we all hail Simpson patriarch Homer because his joy is as palpable as his stupidity is stunning".{{cite news|first1=Jennifer|last1=Armstrong|first2=Whitney|last2=Pastorek|first3=Dan|last3=Snierson|first4=Tim|last4=Stack|first5=Alynda|last5=Wheat|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv|title=100 New TV Classics|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time, Inc.|location=Los Angeles, California|date=June 18, 2007|access-date=September 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710094307/http://www.ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv|archive-date=July 10, 2015|url-status=live}}

In the season eight episode "Homer's Enemy" the writers decided to examine "what it would be like to actually work alongside Homer Simpson".{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Snierson|url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/14/springfield-dreams/|title=Springfield of Dreams|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time, Inc.|location=New York City|date=January 14, 2000|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805160552/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275114,00.html|archive-date=August 5, 2012|url-status=live}} The episode explores the possibilities of a realistic character with a strong work ethic named Frank Grimes placed alongside Homer in a work environment. In the episode, Homer is portrayed as an everyman and the embodiment of the American spirit; however, in some scenes his negative characteristics and silliness are prominently highlighted.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=99–106}}{{cite AV media|people=Josh Weinstein (writer)|chapter=Commentary for "Homer's Enemy"|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season (DVD)|date=2006|location=Los Angeles, California|publisher=20th Century Fox}} By the end of the episode, Grimes, a hard working and persevering "real American hero", has become the villain; the viewer is intended to be pleased that Homer has emerged victorious.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=99–106}}

In Gilligan Unbound, author Paul Arthur Cantor states that he believes Homer's devotion to his family has added to the popularity of the character. He writes, "Homer is the distillation of pure fatherhood. ... This is why, for all his stupidity, bigotry and self-centered quality, we cannot hate Homer. He continually fails at being a good father, but he never gives up trying, and in some basic and important sense that makes him a good father."{{cite book |first=Paul Arthur |last=Cantor |title=Gilligan Unbound: Pop Culture in the Age of Globalization |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Maryland|date=2001 |isbn=978-0-7425-0779-1 |pages=74–76}} The Sunday Times remarked "Homer is good because, above all, he is capable of great love. When the chips are down, he always does the right thing by his children—he is never unfaithful in spite of several opportunities."{{cite news |first=Lindsay |last=McIntosh |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/theres-nobody-like-him-except-you-me-everyone-6b05sctmwbh |title=There's nobody like him ... except you, me, everyone |newspaper=The Sunday Times |publisher=Times Media Group |location=London, England |date=July 8, 2007 |access-date=September 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043841/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theres-nobody-like-him-except-you-me-everyone-6b05sctmwbh |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}

=D'oh!=

Homer's main and most famous catchphrase, the annoyed grunt "D'oh!", is typically uttered when he injures himself, realizes that he has done something stupid, or when something bad has happened or is about to happen to him. During the voice recording session for a Tracey Ullman Show short, Homer was required to utter what was written in the script as an "annoyed grunt".{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} Dan Castellaneta rendered it as a drawn out "d'ooooooh". This was inspired by Jimmy Finlayson, the mustachioed Scottish actor who appeared in 33 Laurel and Hardy films.{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} Finlayson had used the term as a minced oath to stand in for the word "Damn!" Matt Groening felt that it would better suit the timing of animation if it were spoken faster. Castellaneta then shortened it to a quickly uttered "D'oh!".{{Cite news |title=What's the story with ... Homer's D'oh! |work=The Herald |date=July 21, 2007 |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/what-s-the-story-with-homer-s-d-oh-1.840349 |access-date=September 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515054417/http://www.heraldscotland.com/what-s-the-story-with-homer-s-d-oh-1.840349 |archive-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=live }} The first intentional use of "D'oh!" occurred in the Ullman short "The Krusty the Clown Show" (1989), and its first usage in the series was in the series premiere, "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire".{{cite news|first=Jeremy |last=Simon |title=Wisdom from The Simpsons{{'}} 'D'ohh' boy |url=http://snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta94.html |work=The Daily Northwestern |date=February 11, 1994 |access-date=September 22, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515145344/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/castellaneta94.html |archive-date=May 15, 2008 }}

"D'oh!" was first added to The New Oxford Dictionary of English in 1998.{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} It is defined as an interjection "used to comment on an action perceived as foolish or stupid".{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/words/doh_oed.html |title=D'oh! A Dictionary update |access-date=September 21, 2008 |date=July 17, 2001 |author=Shewchuk, Blair |publisher=CBC News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609102957/http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/words/doh_oed.html |archive-date=June 9, 2008 }} In 2001, "D'oh!" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, without the apostrophe ("Doh!").{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1387335.stm |title=It's in the dictionary, D'oh! |access-date=September 21, 2008

|date=June 14, 2001 |website=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021203092605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1387335.stm |archive-date=December 3, 2002}} The definition of the word is "expressing frustration at the realization that things have turned out badly or not as planned, or that one has just said or done something foolish".{{cite web |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/78912?tid=relatedcl |title='D'oh!' The Right Thing? |access-date=September 21, 2008 |date=June 15, 2001 |work=Newsweek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929235150/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2001/06/14/d-oh-the-right-thing.html |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |url-status=live }} In 2006, "D'oh!" was placed in sixth position on TV Land's list of the 100 greatest television catchphrases.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-11-28-catchprase-list_x.htm |title=Dyn-O-Mite! TV Land lists catchphrases |access-date=September 7, 2008 |date=November 28, 2006 |work=USA Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415220143/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-11-28-catchprase-list_x.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.tvland.com/originals/catchphrases/quotes.jhtml |title=The 100 greatest TV quotes and catchphrases |access-date=September 7, 2008 |year=2008 |publisher=TV Land |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313194321/http://www.tvland.com/originals/catchphrases/quotes.jhtml |archive-date=March 13, 2008}} "D'oh!" is also included in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.{{cite web|url=http://www.snpp.com/other/articles/homersodyssey2.html |title=Homer's Odyssey |access-date=September 23, 2008 |date=May 21, 2000 |first=Russell | last=Shorto|work=Us Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904211544/http://www.snpp.com/other/articles/homersodyssey2.html |archive-date=September 4, 2008 }} The book includes several other quotations from Homer, including "Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is never try", from "Burns' Heir" (season five, 1994) as well as "Kids are the best, Apu. You can teach them to hate the things you hate. And they practically raise themselves, what with the Internet and all", from "Eight Misbehavin'{{-"}} (season 11, 1999). Both quotes entered the dictionary in August 2007.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1561004/Simpsons-quotes-enter-new-Oxford-dictionary.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202182829/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1561004/Simpsons-quotes-enter-new-Oxford-dictionary.html |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |title=Simpsons quotes enter new Oxford dictionary |access-date=September 23, 2008 |date=August 24, 2007 |last=Shorto|first=Russell |url-access=subscription | work=The Daily Telegraph}}

= Merchandising =

Homer and other members of his family have been featured in a variety of The Simpsons-related merchandise, which includes dolls, napkins, air fresheners, cups, chewing gum, beach towels, sleeping bags, snow boots, rubber sponge balls, license-plate frames, scratch paper, laminated magnets, and handheld pinball games.{{cite web | last=Kleinfield | first=N. R. | title=Cashing in on a Hot New Brand Name | website=The New York Times | url-access=subscription | date=April 29, 1990 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/29/business/cashing-in-on-a-hot-new-brand-name.html | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219235943/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/29/business/cashing-in-on-a-hot-new-brand-name.html | url-status=live }} One book, The Homer Book (2004), has been published on the character, which discusses his personality and attributes.{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/News/09/10/showbuzz/index.html#2 |title=D'oh! Eat Homer for breakfast |access-date=September 3, 2008 |date=September 10, 2001 |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430161747/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/News/09/10/showbuzz/index.html |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }} The News Letter{{'}}s Simon Hunter described it as "an entertaining little book for occasional reading"{{cite news |title=The perfect present for a 'Doh' nut |last=Hunter|first=Simon |date=November 15, 2004 |work=The News Letter}} and was listed as one of "the most interesting books of 2004" by The Chattanoogan.{{cite news |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_62321.asp |title=Bambi Evans: The Most Interesting Books Of 2004 |access-date=September 27, 2008 |author=Evans, Bambi |date=February 9, 2005 |work=The Chattanoogan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210052528/http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_62321.asp |archive-date=February 10, 2005}}

Homer has appeared in commercials for several brands, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Kodak.{{cite web | last=Jensen | first=Jeff | url-access=subscription | title=Fox's biggest promo linked to 'Simpson': Pepsi beverages, Subway, Kodak ready separate efforts for show | website=Ad Age | date=June 23, 1997 | url=https://adage.com/article/news/fox-s-biggest-promo-linked-simpsons-pepsi-beverages-subway-kodak-ready-separate-efforts-show/67796 | access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Bivins | first=Kenn | title=Fans Are Racing to Try Butterfinger's New Ice Cream Bars | website=Parade | date=February 11, 2025 | url=https://parade.com/food/butterfinger-ice-cream-bars | access-date=March 3, 2025}} Homer and other Simpsons characters appeared in television commercials for Nestlé's Butterfinger candy bars from 1988 to 2001.{{cite web | last=Schultz. | first=E.J. | title=Rewind: Butterfinger at 90 | website=Ad Age | url-access=subscription | date=January 7, 2013 | url=https://adage.com/article/news/rewind-butterfinger-90/239030 | access-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219235658/https://adage.com/article/news/rewind-butterfinger-90/239030 | url-status=live }} Groening later noted that the success of the Butterfinger commercials played a significant role in Fox's decision to greenlight the half-hour series.{{cite news|title=A Portrait of the Bartist – The Simpsons Matt Groening Has Fulfilled His Dream of Invading Mainstream U.S. Pop Culture|date=May 13, 1995|work=Star Tribune}} In 2001, Kelloggs launched a brand of cereal called "Homer's Cinnamon Donut Cereal", which was available for a limited time.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,184538,00.html |title=Cereal Numbers |access-date=October 28, 2008 |date=November 15, 2001 |author=Fonseca, Nicholas |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421141104/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,184538,00.html |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }} In June 2009, Dutch automotive navigation systems manufacturer TomTom announced that Homer would be added to its downloadable GPS voice lineup. Homer's voice, recorded by Dan Castellaneta, features several in-character comments such as "Take the third right. We might find an ice cream truck! Mmm... ice cream."{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/tech_guide/2009/06/17/2009-06-17_homer_simpson.html |work=Daily News |title=Homer Simpson joins the TomTom GPS voice lineup |date=June 17, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621054013/http://www.nydailynews.com/tech_guide/2009/06/17/2009-06-17_homer_simpson.html |archive-date=June 21, 2009}}

Homer has appeared in other media relating to The Simpsons. He has appeared in every one of The Simpsons video games, including The Simpsons and The Simpsons Game.{{cite web | last=Hopper | first=Steven | title=The Simpsons Arcade Review | website=IGN | date=February 3, 2012 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/03/the-simpsons-arcade-review | access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=Walk |first=Gary Eng |title=Work of Bart |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 5, 2007 |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/11/09/bart-and-homer-guns-n-roses/ |access-date=September 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017135647/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20158366%2C00.html |archive-date=October 17, 2008 |url-status=live }} Alongside the television series, Homer regularly appeared in issues of Simpsons Comics, which were published from November 29, 1993, until October 17, 2018.{{cite news |title = Groening launches Futurama comics|work = The Gazette|date = November 19, 2000|author = Radford, Bill}}{{cite web |url=http://cagle.msnbc.com/hogan/features/simpsons_sundays/simpsons_on_sundays.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708094751/http://cagle.msnbc.com/hogan/features/simpsons_sundays/simpsons_on_sundays.asp |archive-date=July 8, 2007 |title=Sundays with the Simpsons |access-date=September 7, 2008 |author=Shutt, Craig |publisher=MSNBC}} Homer also plays a role in The Simpsons Ride, launched in 2008 at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood.{{cite news|url=http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/simpsons-ride-featur-1657/ |title=Simpsons ride features 29 characters, original voices |access-date=September 7, 2008 |date=April 9, 2008 |work=Los Angeles Times |last=MacDonald|first= Brady |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914144851/http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/simpsons-ride-featur-1657/ |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }} On December 9, 2024, Monday Night Football hosted an animated Simpsons version of the Cincinnati Bengals-Dallas Cowboys game, which paralleled the events on the field.{{cite news | last=Bieler | first=Des | title=Cowboys, Bengals to enter 'Simpsons' universe in alternate 'MNF' telecast | newspaper=Washington Post | date=December 9, 2024 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/12/09/monday-night-football-simpsons-broadcast/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209164246/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/12/09/monday-night-football-simpsons-broadcast/ | archive-date=December 9, 2024 | url-status=live | url-access=subscription | access-date=December 21, 2024}}

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