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{{Short description|Fictional character from The Simpsons}}
{{About|the cartoon character|the filmmaker|Bart Simpson (filmmaker)}}
{{Featured article}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Bart Simpson
| full_name = Bartholomew Jo-Jo Simpson
| series = [[The Simpsons]]
| image = Bart Simpson 200px.png
| image_size = 170
| alt = A cartoon image of a yellow boy with yellow, spiky hair, wearing a red T-shirt, blue shorts, and blue shoes.
| first_minor = [[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]
| first_major = [[The Tracey Ullman Show]]
| first_date = April 19, 1987
| creator = [[Matt Groening]]
| designer = Matt Groening
| voice = [[Nancy Cartwright]]
| occupation = 4th-grade student at [[Springfield Elementary School]]
| nationality = American
| family = {{Plainlist|
* [[Homer Simpson]] (father)
* [[Marge Simpson]] (mother)
* [[Lisa Simpson]] (sister)
* [[Maggie Simpson]] (sister)
}}
| relatives = {{Plainlist|
* [[Grampa Simpson|Abe Simpson]] (grandfather)
* [[Mona Simpson (The Simpsons)|Mona Simpson]] (grandmother; deceased)
* [[Clancy Bouvier]] (grandfather; deceased)
* [[Simpson family#Jacqueline Bouvier|Jacqueline Bouvier]] (grandmother)
* [[Patty and Selma|Patty Bouvier]] (aunt)
* [[Patty and Selma|Selma Bouvier]] (aunt)
* [[Herbert Powell (The Simpsons)|Herbert Powell]] (half-uncle)
* [[Simpson family#Abbey|Abbey]] (half-aunt)
}}
| home = [[The Simpsons house|742 Evergreen Terrace]], [[Springfield (The Simpsons)|Springfield]], United States
}}
'''Bartholomew Jo-Jo''' "'''Bart'''" '''Simpson''' is a character in the American animated television series ''[[The Simpsons]]'' who is part of the [[Simpson family|titular family]]. Bart made his television debut in the [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]" on ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' on April 19, 1987. Cartoonist [[Matt Groening]] created and designed Bart 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 developed a new set of characters. Unlike the other Simpson family members, who were named after Groening's relatives, Bart's name is an [[anagram]] of ''brat''. After two years on ''The Tracey Ullman Show'', the Simpson family received their own series, which premiered on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] on December 17, 1989. Bart has appeared in every episode of ''The Simpsons'' except "[[Four Great Women and a Manicure]]".
Always ten years old, Bart is the eldest child and only son of [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] and [[Marge Simpson]] and the brother of [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] and [[Maggie Simpson|Maggie]]. Known for his mischievousness, rebelliousness and disrespect for authority, Bart's most iconic traits include his [[chalkboard gag]]s in the opening sequence, prank calls to [[Moe's Tavern]], and catchphrases like "Eat my shorts", "''[[¡Ay, caramba!]]''", "Don't have a cow, man!", and "I'm Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?". Bart has also appeared in ''The Simpsons''{{'}}-related media, including [[List of The Simpsons video games|video games]], [[The Simpsons Movie|the 2007 film version of the series]], [[The Simpsons Ride|''The Simpsons'' Ride]], commercials, [[List of The Simpsons comics|comic books]], and an extensive line of [[merchandise]]. [[Nancy Cartwright]], Bart's voice actor, intended to audition for the role of Lisa, and [[Yeardley Smith]] auditioned for Bart. Smith's voice was deemed too high-pitched for a boy, while Cartwright found Lisa less appealing as a character and opted to try out for Bart—a role she felt better suited her.
Bart was the show's [[protagonist]] during its first two seasons, giving rise to "Bartmania", which spawned Bart-themed merchandise touting his rebellious persona and pride in underachieving. Those traits were criticized by parents and educators, who viewed him as a negative influence on children. By the [[The Simpsons season 3|third season]], Homer became the show's figurehead character and the series shifted its focus to the family as a whole, although Bart remains a [[breakout character]]. He is considered one of the most iconic fictional television characters of the 1990s, and has been described as an American [[cultural icon]]; several critics have included him on their lists of the greatest fictional characters of all time.
[[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] named him one of the [[Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century|100 most important people of the 20th century]], and ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' named him Entertainer of the Year in 1990. Cartwright has received accolades for her portrayal of Bart, including a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] in 1992 and an [[Annie Award]] in 1995. In 2000, Bart and the rest of the Simpson family were honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].
== Role in ''The Simpsons'' ==
''The Simpsons'' employs a [[floating timeline]], in which characters either do not age or age minimally; the show is always presumed to take place in the present year.{{sfn|Friedrich|Colmenares|2017|p=73}}<ref name="v778">{{cite journal | last1=Davis | first1=Amy M. | last2=Gilboy | first2=Jemma | last3=Zborowski | first3=James | title=How Time Works in ''The Simpsons'' | journal=[[Animation (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}}</ref> Always ten years old,<ref name="r412">{{cite web | last=Bernhardt | first=Jack | title=Ay Caramba! I Watched 50 Hours of New ''Simpsons'' So You Don't Have To | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=October 20, 2020 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/oct/20/ay-caramba-i-watched-50-hours-of-new-simpsons-so-you-dont-have-to | access-date=December 21, 2024}}</ref> Bartholomew,{{sfn|Groening|2004|p=6}} best known by his short-form name Bart, is the eldest child and only son of [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] and [[Marge|Marge Simpson]];{{sfn|Feltmate|2017|p=5}}{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=51}} he has two younger sisters, [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] and [[Maggie Simpson|Maggie]].{{sfn|Stabile|Harrison|2003|p=133}} In several episodes of ''The Simpsons'', events have been tied to specific times, though these timelines are sometimes contradicted in later episodes. In "[[I Married Marge]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991), Bart's birth is placed in the early 1980s.<ref name=IMarriedMarge>{{cite episode|title=I Married Marge|episode-link=I Married Marge|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Jeff Martin (writer)|Martin, Jeff]]; [[Jeffrey Lynch|Lynch, Jeffrey]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 26, 1991|season=03|number=12}}</ref> In "[[Simpsorama]]" ([[The Simpsons season 26|season 26]], 2014), Bart states his birthday as February 23,<ref name=ISimpsorama>{{cite episode|title=Simpsorama|episode-link=Simpsorama|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[J. Stewart Burns|Burns, J. Stewart]]|network=Fox|airdate=November 9, 2014|season=26|number=6|quote=Prove it! When is your birthday?}} "February 23rd." "Ha! February has no 23rd!" "Yes it does!"</ref> while ''The Bart Book'' by series creator [[Matt Groening]] lists it as [[April Fools' Day|April 1]].{{sfn|Groening|2004|p=6}} In "[[Bart's Birthday]]" ([[The Simpsons season 36|season 36]], 2024), Bart, in a hypothetical series finale, celebrates his eleventh birthday, much to his dismay, as he has always identified as being ten years old.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart's Birthday|episode-link=Bart's Birthday|series=The Simpsons|credits=Conrad, Jessica|network=Fox|airdate=September 29, 2024|season=36|number=1}}</ref>
Bart lived with his parents in Springfield's Lower East Side before the family purchased [[The Simpsons house|their first home]].<ref name=LisasFirstWord>{{cite episode|title=Lisa's First Word|episode-link=Lisa's First Word|series=The Simpsons|credits=Martin, Jeff; [[Mark Kirkland|Kirkland, Mark]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 3, 1992|season=04|number=10}}</ref> When Lisa was born, Bart initially felt jealous of the attention she received but soon warmed to her when her first word turned out to be "Bart".<ref name=LisasFirstWord/> Bart's first day of school occurred in the early 1990s. Initially excited, his enthusiasm was quickly crushed by an indifferent teacher, prompting [[Marge Simpson|Marge]] to worry about him. During recess, Bart befriended [[Milhouse Van Houten|Milhouse]] and began entertaining classmates with gestures and rude jokes. [[Principal Skinner]] warned Bart, "You've just started school, and the path you choose now may be the one you follow for the rest of your life! Now, what do you say?" Bart replied, "Eat my shorts".<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lisa's Sax|episode-link=Lisa's Sax|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Al Jean|Jean, Al]]; [[Dominic Polcino|Polcino, Dominic]]|network=Fox|airdate=October 19, 1997|season=09|number=03}}</ref> However, the episode "[[That '90s Show (The Simpsons)|That 90's Show]]" ([[The Simpsons season 19|season 19]], 2008) contradicted much of this timeline, revealing that Homer and Marge were childless during the early 1990s.<ref>{{cite episode|title=That '90s Show|episode-link=That '90s Show (The Simpsons)|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Matt Selman|Selman, Matt]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=January 27, 2008|season=19|number=11}}</ref>
Bart's hobbies include [[skateboarding]],<ref>{{cite journal|date=August 2003|title='I'm Bart Simpson, Who the Hell Are You?' A Study in Postmodern Identity (Re)Construction|id={{ProQuest|195365310}}|volume=37|issue=37|journal=[[The Journal of Popular Culture]]|last=Ott|first=B. L.|page=63|doi=10.1111/1540-5931.00054 |hdl=10217/60074 |hdl-access=free}}</ref> watching [[television]]—particularly [[Krusty the Clown|''The Krusty the Clown Show'']] and its segment ''[[The Itchy & Scratchy Show]]''{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=56}}—reading [[comic books]], especially [[Radioactive Man (The Simpsons)|''Radioactive Man'']],{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=56}} playing [[video game]]s,<ref name="u296">{{cite web | last=McWhertor | first=Michael | title=Bart Simpson Becomes an Esports Star in Next Episode of ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[polygon (website)|Polygon]] | date=March 15, 2019 | url=https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/15/18267281/the-simpsons-esports-episode-league-of-legends | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=September 23, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923085756/https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/15/18267281/the-simpsons-esports-episode-league-of-legends | url-status=live }}</ref> and causing general mischief.<ref name="r263">{{cite web | last1=Summers | first1=Megan | last2=Russell | first2=Tom | title=''The Simpsons'': Bart's 20 Best Prank Calls To Moe's Tavern, Ranked | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=February 4, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/bart-simpsons-best-moe-prank-calls/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=January 26, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126224946/https://screenrant.com/bart-simpsons-best-moe-prank-calls/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His favorite movies are [[Jaws (film)|''Jaws'']] and the ''[[Star Wars]]'' trilogy, while his favorite [[board game]]s include ''Hippo in the House'', ''The Game of Lent'', and ''Citizenship''.{{sfn|Terrace|2017|p=200}} Throughout the series, Bart has been a student at [[Springfield Elementary School]], where he is part of [[Edna Krabappel]]'s fourth-grade class.<ref name="k910">{{cite journal | last=Meskill | first=Carla | title=Through the Screen, into the School: Education, subversion, ourselves in ''The Simpsons'' | journal=Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education | volume=28 | issue=1 | date=2007 | issn=0159-6306 | doi=10.1080/01596300601073119 | pages=38–39}}</ref><ref name="d697">{{cite web | last=Kosmala | first=Karina | title=10 ''The Simpsons'' Episodes That Made Us Shed a Tear | website=[[Collider.com|Collider]] | date=October 2, 2022 | url=https://collider.com/10-simpsons-episodes-that-made-us-shed-a-tear/ | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=September 27, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927232936/https://collider.com/10-simpsons-episodes-that-made-us-shed-a-tear/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Although too young for full-time work, Bart has taken on several part-time jobs over the years. He works as a bartender at [[Fat Tony (The Simpsons)|Fat Tony]]'s social club in "[[Bart the Murderer]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart the Murderer|episode-link=Bart the Murderer|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[John Swartzwelder|Swartzwelder, John]]; [[Rich Moore|Moore, Rich]]|network=Fox|airdate=October 10, 1991|season=03|number=04}}</ref> as Krusty the Clown's assistant in "[[Bart Gets Famous]]" ([[The Simpsons season 5|season five]], 1994);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart Gets Famous|episode-link=Bart Gets Famous|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Susie Dietter|Dietter, Susie]]|network=Fox|airdate=February 3, 1994|season=05|number=12}}</ref> as a doorman in Springfield's [[burlesque|burlesque house]], the Maison Derrière, in "[[Bart After Dark]]" ([[The Simpsons season 8|season eight]], 1996);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart After Dark|episode-link=Bart After Dark|series=The Simpsons|credits=Appel, Richard; [[Josh Weinstein|Weinstein, Josh]]|network=Fox|airdate=November 4, 1996|season=08|number=05}}</ref> and briefly owns his own factory in "[[Homer's Enemy]]" ([[The Simpsons season 8|season eight]], 1997).<ref>{{cite episode|title=Homer's Enemy|episode-link=Homer's Enemy|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Jim Reardon|Reardon, Jim]]|network=Fox|airdate=May 4, 1997|season=08|number=23}}</ref>
==Character==
=== Creation ===
[[File:Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore -retouch.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7|[[Matt Groening]] (''pictured in 2009'') conceived Bart in 1987.|alt=A man in glasses and a plaid shirt sits in front of a microphone.]]
[[Matt Groening]] conceived Bart and the rest of the [[Simpson family]] in 1987 while waiting in the lobby of producer [[James L. Brooks]]'s office.<ref name="p299">{{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}}</ref><ref name="k770">{{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 }}</ref> 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]]''. Realizing that adapting the strip would require him to relinquish [[publication right]]s, he decided to create something new.<ref name="a529">{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Ivan | title=The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History | website=[[Vulture (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 }}</ref> Groening sketched a concept for a [[dysfunctional family]],{{sfn|Sito|2006|p=305}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=It's a Family Affair?|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 1990|page=67|volume=6|issue=4}}</ref> naming the characters after members of his family.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=21}}<ref name="k983">{{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 }}</ref> For the rebellious son, he chose "Bart", an [[anagram]] of ''brat'',{{sfn|Ezell|2016|p=133}}{{sfn|Pinsky|2007|p=5}} instead of his own name because he felt that "Matt" would not "go over well in a pitch meeting".<ref name="i616">{{cite web | title=Marge Simpson's Namesake Has Died | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marge-groening-matt-groening-marge-simpson-inspiration_n_3226541 | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201211131/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marge-groening-matt-groening-marge-simpson-inspiration_n_3226541 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="w413">{{cite web | last=Blackall | first=Luke | title=From the Wiggums to Chain-Smoking Aunt Patty: The Real-Life Groening | website=[[The Independent]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/from-the-wiggums-to-chainsmoking-aunt-patty-the-reallife-groening-family-behind-the-simpsons-revealed-in-obituary-of-creator-s-mum-8606463.html | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202062008/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/from-the-wiggums-to-chainsmoking-aunt-patty-the-reallife-groening-family-behind-the-simpsons-revealed-in-obituary-of-creator-s-mum-8606463.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's middle initial "J" is an homage to the animated characters [[Bullwinkle J. Moose]] and [[Rocket J. Squirrel]] from ''[[The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show]]'', who were named after creator [[Jay Ward]].<ref name="x978">{{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=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="q895">{{cite magazine | last=Stransky | first=Tanner | title='Rocky & Bullwinkle': Happy 50th Birthday to the Sweet Duo! (And Boris and Natasha, too!) | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=November 19, 2009 | url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/19/rocky-and-bullwinkle-50th-birthday/ | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203112203/https://ew.com/article/2009/11/19/rocky-and-bullwinkle-50th-birthday/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Although numerous interpretations of his middle initial have been given, Groening said that Bart's full middle name is "Jo-Jo", which was chosen by Cartwright during a recording session.{{sfn|Groening|1996|pp=12, 54, 82, 101, 103, 154, 168, back cover}}{{sfn|Groening|2001b|p=90}}
According to ''[[The Oregonian]]'', Bart was conceived as "a much milder, troubled youth given to existential angst who talks to himself"; the character was changed due to [[Nancy Cartwright]]'s voice acting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christmans Is 'Life in Hell' for ''The Simpsons''|date=December 17, 1989|work=[[The Oregonian]]|last=Farrell|first=Peter}}</ref> Groening has credited numerous sources as inspirations for Bart's character. His older brother, Mark Groening, influenced Bart's rebellious attitude. Mark introduced him to a variety of comics, including [[Mad (magazine)|''Mad'']] (when it was still a comic), ''[[Donald Duck in comics|Donald Duck]]'', ''[[Uncle Scrooge]]'', ''[[Little Lulu]]'', and ''[[Tales from the Crypt (comics)|Tales From the Crypt]]''; all were sources of inspiration for Matt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Alan|title=Life in Hell|work=[[Flux (magazine)|Flux]]|date=September 30, 1995|url=http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|access-date=December 26, 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208235641/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|archive-date=February 8, 2007}}</ref> Bart was envisioned as an exaggerated version of a typical misbehaving child, combining the extreme traits of characters such as [[Tom Sawyer]] and [[Huckleberry Finn]].{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=182}} Groening described Bart as "what would happen if the son of [[Eddie Haskell]] [from ''[[Leave It to Beaver]]''] got his own show".<ref>{{cite news |title=With Spirit of Youthful Rebellion, ''Simpsons'' Creator Takes on Success |last=Kolbert|first=Elizabeth|date=March 11, 1993|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> He was disappointed with the premise of ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'', which inspired him to create a character who was genuinely mischievous.<ref>{{cite news|last=Groening|first=Matt|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Two Bad Neighbors]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> Bart first appeared with the Simpson family on April 19, 1987, in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]".{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=14}}<ref name="u828">{{cite web | last=Tallerico | first=Brian | title=''The Simpsons'' at 30: Six Era-Defining Episodes | website=[[The New York Times]] | date=September 28, 2018 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/arts/television/simpsons-history-season-30-timeline.html | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=April 22, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422062640/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/arts/television/simpsons-history-season-30-timeline.html | url-status=live }}</ref> On December 17, 1989, the shorts were developed into ''The Simpsons'', a half-hour series on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]],<ref name="s787">{{cite web | last=Ortved | first=John | title=''The Simpsons'' Family Values: How the Cartoon Took Over TV | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=July 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214051941/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/08/simpsons200708 |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |url-status=live | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/08/simpsons200708?srsltid=AfmBOoov6_MhRIP-W7X_IkrOMxHI8xGIoMzxYvu8fhvg-liiZBYylU3c | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref name="a058">{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=''The Simpsons'' Opening Sequence Had A Continuity Error For 20 Years | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 7, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-opening-credits-homer-boxes-garage-continuity-error/ | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411140317/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-opening-credits-homer-boxes-garage-continuity-error/ | url-status=live }}</ref> where Bart and the Simpson family became the central characters.<ref name="b306">{{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 }}</ref>
===Design===
[[File:Bart - Good Night.png|upright=0.9|thumb|Bart in his first televised appearance in "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]"|alt=A cartoon image of a yellow boy with spiky hair in bed]]
The Simpson family was designed to be easily recognizable in silhouette.<ref name="h479">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="x786">{{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}}</ref> The characters were initially crudely drawn because Groening submitted rough sketches to the animators, expecting them to refine the designs, but they simply traced over his drawings.<ref name="q232">{{cite magazine | last1=Bachor | first1=Kenneth | last2=Lin | first2=Joseph C. | title=The 30 Best Celebrity Cameos on ''The Simpsons'' | magazine=[[Time (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 }}</ref> Bart's early design, featured in the first shorts, included hair with spikes of varying length;<ref>{{cite news|first1=David|last1=Silverman|author-link1=David Silverman (animator)|last2=Archer|first2=Wes|author-link2=Wes Archer|year=2004|title=Illustrated Commentary for "[[Treehouse of Horror IV]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> this was later standardized to nine spikes of equal length. Groening primarily worked in [[black-and-white]] at the time and, without considering the eventual use of color, designed Bart's spikes to look like an extension of his head.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Mike B.|last1=Anderson|author-link1=Mike B. Anderson|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|author-link2=Matt Groening|last3=Michels|first3=Pete|author-link3=Pete Michels|year=2006|title="A Bit From the Animators", Illustrated Commentary for "[[All Singing, All Dancing]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Ninth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> This design feature is not replicated in other characters, although some background characters in the first few seasons shared his spiky [[hairline]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Groening|first1=Matt|last2=Reiss|first2=Mike|author-link2=Mike Reiss|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|author-link3=Mark Kirkland|year=2002|title=Commentary for "[[Principal Charming]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref>
Bart's head was described by director [[Mark Kirkland]] as a basic rectangular shape resembling a [[coffee]] can. Homer's head is also rectangular, with a dome on top, while spheres define the heads of Marge, Lisa, and Maggie.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Archer|first1=Wes|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|year=2005|title="A Bit From the Animators", Illustrated Commentary for "[[Summer of 4 Ft. 2]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> In the [[The Simpsons season 7|season-seven]] (1995) episode "[[Treehouse of Horror VI]]", Bart, alongside Homer, was first rendered as a three-dimensional character in the episode's "Homer<sup>3</sup>" segment. The computer animation was by [[Pacific Data Images]]. Designing Bart's 3D model, the animators did not know how they would depict his hair; realizing that vinyl Bart dolls were in production, they purchased one to use as a model.<ref name="3D">{{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]]}}</ref>
=== Voice ===
[[File:Nancy Cartwright.jpg|alt=A blonde middle-aged woman smiling with a black background|left|upright=0.9|thumb|Nancy Cartwright (''pictured in 2007'') voices Bart.]]
Bart's voice is provided by [[Nancy Cartwright]],{{sfn|Browne|Browne|2001|p=737}}<ref name="n954">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson Voice Used to Promote Scientology | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-access=subscription | date=January 29, 2009 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4382672/Bart-Simpson-voice-used-to-promote-Scientology.html | access-date=November 30, 2024 | archive-date=June 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617095610/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4382672/Bart-Simpson-voice-used-to-promote-Scientology.html | url-status=live }}</ref> who also voices several other child characters on ''The Simpsons'' who include [[Nelson Muntz]],<ref name="k637">{{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=November 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="g377">{{cite web | last=Aubrey | first=Elizabeth | title=Sabrina Carpenter Fans Shocked to Discover Her Aunt is the Voice of Bart Simpson | publisher=[[NME]] | date=July 10, 2024 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-fans-shocked-to-discover-her-aunt-is-the-voice-of-bart-simpson-3773518 | access-date=November 30, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202082314/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-fans-shocked-to-discover-her-aunt-is-the-voice-of-bart-simpson-3773518 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ralph Wiggum]],<ref name="g377"/> [[Todd Flanders]],{{sfn|Browning|Picart|2014|p=166}} and [[Kearney Zzyzwicz]].{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=553}} After [[Dan Castellaneta]] and [[Julie Kavner]] were cast as Homer and Marge due to their roles on ''The Tracey Ullman Show'',<ref name="z494">{{cite web | title=D'oh, You're the Voice | website=[[The Age]] | date=February 27, 2003 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/doh-youre-the-voice-20030227-gdvamr.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=November 2, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102224412/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/27/1046064146568.html | url-status=live }}</ref> the producers held auditions for Bart and Lisa. [[Yeardley Smith]] initially auditioned for Bart, but casting director [[Bonita Pietila]] felt that her voice was too high-pitched. Smith recalled, "I always sounded too much like a girl. I read two lines as Bart, and they said, 'Thanks for coming!{{'"}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1565538/simpsons-trivia-from-swearing-lisa-to-burns-sexual-smithers/ |title=''Simpsons'' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=January 15, 2022 |date=July 26, 2007 |author=Carroll, Larry |publisher=[[MTV News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> She was subsequently cast as Lisa instead.<ref name="m386">{{cite web | last=King | first=Darryn | title=Why Lisa Simpson Matters | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=February 26, 2018 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/why-lisa-simpson-matters?srsltid=AfmBOorwsnUX_qdkPoAwWSsEG2bptCdqVYLDrUuXgvMaW1ZRBFpFxdaH | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> On March 13, 1987, Cartwright auditioned for Lisa.<ref name="i801">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson: The Shorts That Ate the World | website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] | date=January 3, 2001 | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bart-simpson-the-shorts-that-ate-the-world/AOTICOHPYZTRIAMHAJ2SZSQWJM/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203070032/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bart-simpson-the-shorts-that-ate-the-world/AOTICOHPYZTRIAMHAJ2SZSQWJM/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Discovering that Lisa was described only as the "middle child", with little personality at the time, she became interested in Bart, who was characterized as "devious, underachieving, school-hating, irreverent, [and] clever".<ref name="i801"/>{{sfn|Cartwright|2000|pp=35–40}} Groening allowed her to audition for Bart, and offered her the role immediately after hearing her read.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm|title=Bart's Voice Tells All|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=November 10, 2000|website=[[BBC News]]|archive-date=December 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230012816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Cartwright is the only one of the [[List of The Simpsons cast members|six primary ''Simpsons'' cast members]] who had formal voice-acting training before joining the show.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=21}}
According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', Cartwright's speaking voice has "no obvious traces of Bart".<ref name="y825">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=That's My Boy | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=August 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 5, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205160018/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | url-status=live }}</ref> The voice she uses for Bart came naturally to her, since she had incorporated elements of it on shows like ''[[My Little Pony]]'', ''[[Snorks]]'', and ''[[Pound Puppies]]''.<ref name="y825"/><ref name="l405">{{cite web | title=That's My Boy | website=[[The Age]] | date=November 4, 2004 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/thats-my-boy-20041104-gdyx8r.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204090710/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/thats-my-boy-20041104-gdyx8r.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Cartwright described Bart's voice as easy to create: "Some characters take a little bit more effort, upper respiratory control, whatever it is technically. But Bart is easy to do. I can just slip into that without difficulty".<ref name="y825"/> She typically records five or six takes of each line for variety, allowing producers more options to work with.<ref name="BBC News"/> Even in [[flashforward]] episodes, Cartwright continues to voice Bart; in the episode "[[Lisa's Wedding]]" ([[The Simpsons season 6|season six]], 1995), Bart's voice was electronically pitched lower to reflect his age.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mirkin|first=David|author-link=David Mirkin|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Lisa's Wedding]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> Despite Bart's fame, Cartwright is seldom recognized in public. When she is recognized and asked to use Bart's voice in front of children, she declines because it "freaks [them] out".<ref name="i159">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=Bart's Big Mouth | website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] | date=August 2, 2004 | url=https://www.salon.com/2004/08/02/bart_2/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202011806/https://www.salon.com/2004/08/02/bart_2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[The Simpsons season 1|first season]] of ''The Simpsons'', Fox Network barred Cartwright from interviews to avoid the revelation that Bart was voiced by a woman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson's Secret: He's a Woman|last=Bark|first=Ed|date=July 15, 1990|work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]}}</ref>
Cartwright was paid [[US dollar|US$]]30,000 per episode for her work on ''The Simpsons'' until 1998.<ref name="l144">{{cite web | last=Hontz | first=Jenny | title=Cartwright's Vox to Pop for ''Simpsons'' | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=March 26, 1998 | url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/cartwright-s-vox-to-pop-for-simpsons-1117469167/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="p643">{{cite web | last1=Block | first1=Alex Ben | last2=Masters | first2=Kim | title='Simpsons' Cast Blinks in Salary Showdown With Fox (Exclusive) | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=October 7, 2011 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/simpsons-cast-fox-pay-cut-245648/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201173926/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/simpsons-cast-fox-pay-cut-245648/ | url-status=live }}</ref> A pay dispute arose that year, during which Fox threatened to replace the six main voice actors and began preparing for new casting.<ref name="Glaister">{{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}}</ref><ref name="s696">{{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 }}</ref> The conflict was resolved, and Cartwright's salary increased to $125,000 per episode.<ref name="y759">{{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=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o315">{{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 }}</ref> The voice cast pushed for higher wages in 2004, seeking $360,000 per episode.<ref name="l796">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="e937">{{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=December 1, 2024 | 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 }}</ref> The dispute was soon settled, and Cartwright's pay was increased to $250,000 per episode.<ref name="t905">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="g965">{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Voices Carry at Fox | website=[[variety (magazine)|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 }}</ref> In 2008, further negotiations increased the cast's salaries to about $400,000 per episode.<ref name="h432">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="i903">{{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 }}</ref> Fox demanded production-cost reductions in 2011, threatening to cancel the series if costs were not cut. In response, Cartwright and the other main cast members agreed to a 30-percent pay reduction, lowering their per-episode earnings to just over $300,000.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Cartwright was paid $315,000 per episode by 2016, which, according to [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']], made her one of the highest-paid voice actors.<ref name="w127">{{cite web | last=Bryant | first=Jacob | title=Highest-Paid TV Comedy Stars | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]| date=October 4, 2016 | url=https://variety.com/gallery/highest-paid-tv-actors-comedy-dwayne-johnson-big-bang-theory/nancy-cartwright-3/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221182233/https://variety.com/gallery/highest-paid-tv-actors-comedy-dwayne-johnson-big-bang-theory/nancy-cartwright-3/ | archive-date=December 21, 2024 | url-status=live | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref>
=== Hallmarks ===
In the [[The Simpsons opening sequence|opening sequence]] of many episodes of ''The Simpsons'', the camera zooms in on Springfield Elementary School, where Bart is shown writing lines on a chalkboard. This scene, known as the "[[chalkboard gag]]", varies by episode.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The messages often include political humor, such as "[[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|The First Amendment]] does not cover burping",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=06|number=24}}</ref> [[popular culture|pop culture]] references like "[[The Sixth Sense|I can't see dead people]]",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Take My Wife, Sleaze|episode-link=Take My Wife, Sleaze|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Neil Affleck|Affleck, Neil]]|network=Fox|date=November 28, 1999|season=11|number=08}}</ref> and meta-commentary such as "I am not a 32-year-old woman" or "Nobody reads these anymore".{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The animators create the gags quickly, and they sometimes reflect current events.<ref name="z743">{{cite web | last=Tsang | first=Christopher | title=''The Simpsons'' Video Reveals 700th Episode Couch Gag | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=March 19, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-show-700-episode-couch-gag-reveal/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> In the episode "[[Homer the Heretic]]" ([[The Simpsons season 4|season four]], 1992), the chalkboard gag read "I will not defame New Orleans"; it was an apology for a controversial song in the previous week's episode, "[[A Streetcar Named Marge]]", which described the city as a "home of pirates, drunks, and whores".<ref name="q396">{{cite web | last=Kurland | first=Daniel | title=''The Simpsons'': 15 Episodes That Were Censored | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=September 3, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-episodes-scenes-censored/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=August 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825114707/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-episodes-scenes-censored/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="n461">{{cite web | last=Vrabel | first=Jeff | title=FXX's "''Simpsons World''" App: Here's Your Comprehensive A to Z | website=[[GQ (magazine)|GQ]] | date=October 21, 2014 | url=https://www.gq.com/story/simpsons-world-app-guide | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207195725/https://www.gq.com/story/simpsons-world-app-guide | url-status=live }}</ref>
An early hallmark of Bart's character was his [[prank call]]s to [[Moe's Tavern]], where he would ask owner [[Moe Szyslak]] for a fictitious person with a [[gag name]].<ref name="r263" /> Moe would try to find the person, eventually realizing it was a prank and (unaware that Bart was the caller) responding with angry threats. The calls were inspired by the [[Tube Bar prank calls|Tube Bar recordings]], a series of prank calls to bar owner Louis "Red" Deutsch (whose profane reactions influenced Moe's violent temperament).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925085614/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-date=September 25, 2008|title=Joke on ''Simpsons'' Started in JC|access-date=October 30, 2008|date=August 10, 2005|work=[[Jersey City Reporter]]|last=Kaulessar|first=Ricardo}}</ref> The calls first appeared in "[[Homer's Odyssey]]" ([[The Simpsons season 1|season one]], 1990), the third episode to air.<ref name="y694">{{cite web | last=Gornael | first=J.S. | title=The 10 Best Running Gags in ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=May 12, 2024 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-running-gags/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=May 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514190834/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-running-gags/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It became increasingly difficult for the writers to create new fake names and Moe's responses, leading to the pranks being phased out as a regular feature by the [[The Simpsons season 4|fourth season]];<ref>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Moaning Lisa (The Simpsons)|Moaning Lisa]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' |publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="Some">{{cite news|author-link1=James L. Brooks|last1=Brooks|first1=James L.|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Jean|first3=Al|author-link3=Al Jean|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Some Enchanted Evening (The Simpsons)|Some Enchanted Evening]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> however, they have occasionally resurfaced in later episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|title=''The Simpsons'': "Lost Verizon" Review|access-date=November 3, 2008|date=October 6, 2005|last=Canning|first=Robert|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009060657/http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|archive-date=October 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
The catchphrase "Eat my shorts" originated as an [[ad-lib]] by Cartwright during one of the show's early table readings, inspired by an incident during her high-school years.<ref name="g797">{{cite web | last=Welsh | first=Daniel | title=''The Simpsons'' Voice Actor Reveals Surprising Origin Story Of 1 Of The Show's Most Iconic Catchphrases | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=July 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219053249/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nancy-cartwright-reveals-history-bart-simpson-catchphrase_uk_668cf2b0e4b08f09c1fb11fd | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | url-status=live | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nancy-cartwright-reveals-history-bart-simpson-catchphrase_uk_668cf2b0e4b08f09c1fb11fd | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> While performing with the marching band at Fairmont High School, the group chanted "Eat my shorts" instead of their usual cheer ("Fairmont West! Fairmont West!")<ref name="g385">{{cite web | last=Hewitt | first=Scott | title=Voice of TV's ''Simpsons'' character shares a more personal tale | website=[[The Columbian]] | date=September 22, 2017 | url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/22/voice-of-tvs-simpsons-character-shares-a-more-personal-tale/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207214721/https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/22/voice-of-tvs-simpsons-character-shares-a-more-personal-tale/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The phrase may also refer to ''[[The Breakfast Club]]'' (1985), in which John Bender says it to Principal Vernon.<ref name="k518">{{cite web | last=Curovic | first=Irina | title=10 Best Pop Culture References Created By The Breakfast Club | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 17, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/best-pop-culture-breakfast-club/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=July 24, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724020142/https://screenrant.com/best-pop-culture-breakfast-club/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's other notable catchphrases include "''[[¡Ay, caramba!]]''" and "Don't have a cow!".<ref name="v311">{{cite web | last1=Southern | first1=Keiran | last2=Angeles | first2=Los | title=Ay caramba! Homer Simpson Stops Throttling Bart | website=[[The Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ay-caramba-homer-simpson-stops-throttling-bart-qkrj87k8n | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="b263">{{cite web | last=Hughes | first=Jason | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207232514/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simpsons-bart-learns-meaning-ay-caramba-video_n_4335614 | url-status=live | title=''The Simpsons'': Bart Finally Learns Meaning Of 'Ay Caramba!' | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=November 25, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simpsons-bart-learns-meaning-ay-caramba-video_n_4335614 | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="z868">{{cite web | last=Harmon | first=Steph | title='Don't have a cow': ''The Simpsons'' Response to Apu Racism Row Criticised as 'Toothless' | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 10, 2018 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/10/dont-have-a-cow-the-simpsons-response-to-apu-racism-row-criticised-as-toothless | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411120955/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/10/dont-have-a-cow-the-simpsons-response-to-apu-racism-row-criticised-as-toothless | url-status=live }}</ref> The former was inspired by a Portuguese flamenco dancer;{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} the latter, popularized during the 1950s, originated from the British phrase "Don't have kittens".{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} Both were prominently featured on merchandise such as T-shirts during the show's early seasons.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=25}}<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525125524/http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|title=Bart Simpson|archive-date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=June 8, 1998|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another catchphrase, "Cowabunga", was borrowed from Chief Thunderthud of ''[[The Howdy Doody Show]]''.<ref name="z052">{{cite web | last=Epstein | first=Leonora | title=What The Hell Does 'Cowabunga' Mean, Anyhow? | website=[[BuzzFeed]] | date=June 21, 2013 | url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/what-the-hell-does-cowabunga-mean-anyhow | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=December 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213192324/https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/what-the-hell-does-cowabunga-mean-anyhow | url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Bart Simpson - Skateboarding.png|thumb|upright=0.65|Bart's nude scene in [[The Simpsons Movie|''The Simpsons Movie'']] (2007).|alt=A cartoon drawing of a yellow nude child skateboarding outdoors, with a leaf covering his genitals]]
Bart frequently appears nude in ''The Simpsons'', often by [[mooning]].<ref name="Time"/> In ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'' (2007), he skateboards nude.<ref name="a832">{{cite web | last=Graham | first=Adam | title=Movie Review: Weird Prevails in 'Once Upon a Time in Venice' | website=[[Detroit News]] | date=June 16, 2017 | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2017/06/15/movie-review-upon-time-venice/102902964/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="m370">{{cite web | last=Collett-White | first=Mike | title=Early Peek at ''Simpsons Movie'': Lisa Goes Green, Bart Goes Nude | website=[[The Globe and Mail]] | date=July 6, 2007 | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/early-peek-at-simpsons-movie-lisa-goes-green-bart-goes-nude/article689045/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref> Although various objects obscure his genitalia throughout the scene, his penis is briefly visible.<ref name="m117"/> This scene was among the first created for the film, but producers were initially concerned that it might result in an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R rating]].<ref name="m117">{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=''The Simpsons Movie'': 10 Stories on the 10th Anniversary | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=July 27, 2017 | url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/the-simpsons-movie-10th-anniversary/ | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=December 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213190739/https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/the-simpsons-movie-10th-anniversary/ | url-status=live }}</ref> However, the [[Motion Picture Association of America]] ultimately rated the film [[PG-13]] for "irreverent humor throughout".<ref name="u277">{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219075444/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/simpsonania/ | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | url-status=live | title=Simpsonania | publisher=[[CBS News]] | date=July 25, 2007 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/simpsonania/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="l934">{{cite web | last=Chocano | first=Carina | title=Where's the Fire? | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=July 27, 2007 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-27-et-simpsons27-story.html | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=January 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111143309/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/27/entertainment/et-simpsons27 | url-status=live }}</ref> The scene was later recognized by ''Entertainment Weekly'' as one of 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20229685_5,00.html|title=Bodies of Work: 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|last=Raphael|first=Lisa|year=2008|access-date=October 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027181236/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20229685_5%2C00.html|archive-date=October 27, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Personality ===
Bart's disregard for authority has been compared to [[Founding Fathers of the United States|America's founding fathers]], and been described as a modern fusion of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cantor|first=P.|title=''The Simpsons'': Atomistic Politics and the Nuclear Family|journal=[[Political Theory (journal)|Political Theory]]|volume=27|issue=6|pages=734–749|date=December 1999|doi=10.1177/0090591799027006002|jstor=192244|s2cid=143998133|issn=0090-5917}}</ref> In his book ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', [[Chris Turner (author)|Chris Turner]] characterizes Bart as a [[nihilist]] who has the philosophical view that life lacks inherent meaning, purpose, or [[Intrinsic value (ethics)|value]].{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=124}} Bart's rebellious nature makes him disruptive at Springfield Elementary School, where he identifies as an underachiever.{{sfn|Lee|2012|p=132}}<ref name="l059">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Gus | title=Brilliant, and We Saw You Do it All, Bart | website=[[Irish Independent]] | date=1 July 2000 | url=https://www.independent.ie/news/brilliant-and-we-saw-you-do-it-all-bart/26255347.html | access-date=14 December 2024 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220035228/https://www.independent.ie/news/brilliant-and-we-saw-you-do-it-all-bart/26255347.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He frequently clashes with his teacher, Ms. Krabappel, and [[Principal Skinner]].<ref name="z888">{{cite web | last=Heritage | first=Stuart | title=Marcia Wallace: Edna Krabappel's Best ''Simpsons'' Episodes | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=October 28, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214110504/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/oct/28/marcia-wallace-edna-krabappel-best-simpsons-episodes | archive-date=December 14, 2024 | url-status=live | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/oct/28/marcia-wallace-edna-krabappel-best-simpsons-episodes | access-date=December 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o292">{{cite web | last=Littlechild | first=Chris | title=''The Simpsons'': 10 Worst Things Bart Ever Did To Principal Skinner | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=November 29, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-worst-things-bart-simpson-did-principal-skinner-tv-show/ | access-date=December 14, 2024 | archive-date=August 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818171245/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-worst-things-bart-simpson-did-principal-skinner-tv-show/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart acknowledges his poor performance at school: "I am dumb, okay? Dumb as a post! Think I'm happy about it?"{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=128}} Much like his father, his mental processes are often illogical and absurd;<ref name="f142">{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=''The Simpsons'' Just Retconned Bart's Controversial Origin Story | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 10, 2022 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-season-33-retcon-bart-stupidity-gene-why-explained/ | access-date=December 14, 2024 | archive-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531162725/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-season-33-retcon-bart-stupidity-gene-why-explained/ | url-status=live }}</ref> he once believed that if he reincarnated as a butterfly, he could burn the school down without suspicion, imagining he could hold a gas can as a butterfly.<ref>{{cite episode|title='Round Springfield|episode-link='Round Springfield|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, Joshua; Ventimilia, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=April 30, 1995|season=6|number=22}}</ref> Bart thinks that writing his name in wet cement will leave people wondering how he did it in hardened cement.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=6|number=24}}</ref> "[[Brother's Little Helper]]" ([[The Simpsons season 11|season eleven]], 1999) reveals that Bart has [[attention deficit disorder]].<ref name="r841">{{cite magazine | last=Madarang | first=Charisma | title=150 Best ''Simpsons'' Episodes of All Time | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 17, 2019 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/springfield-of-dreams-150-best-simpsons-episodes-229356/12/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219134324/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/springfield-of-dreams-150-best-simpsons-episodes-229356/12/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His intelligence may be impacted by the hereditary "[[Simpson gene]]", which affects males in his family.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lisa the Simpson|episode-link=Lisa the Simpson|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Ned Goldreyer|Goldreyer, Ned]]; Dietter, Susie|network=Fox|airdate=March 8, 1998|season=09|number=17}}</ref> Despite his misbehavior and selfishness, he has moments of integrity and compassion and occasionally helps Ms. Krabappel and Principal Skinner.<ref name="Confidential">{{cite episode|title=Grade School Confidential|episode-link=Grade School Confidential|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Pulido, Rachel]]; [[Susie Dietter|Dietter, Susie]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 6, 1997|season=08|number=19}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|episode-link=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Oakley, Bill]]; [[Josh Weinstein|Weinstein, Josh]]; [[Bob Anderson (director)|Anderson, Bob]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 28, 1994|season=05|number=19}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Bart is a really good boy. He's just mischievous. He's not bad, like characters who followed him such as [[Eric Cartman|[Eric] Cartman]] (''[[South Park]]'') or [[Beavis]] and [[Butt-head|Butthead]]. Bart can do some nasty things, but they seem so tame, by today's standards. What was shocking 19 years ago, when the show started, isn't the least bit shocking today. Bart hasn't changed.|author=— [[Nancy Cartwright]]<ref name=Sentinel>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507,0,318783.story|title=Nancy Cartwright, Voice of Bart Simpson, Has Personal Theme: ''Simpsons'' Forever|access-date=September 13, 2008|date=July 25, 2007|last=Moore|first=Roger|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015162851/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507%2C0%2C318783.story|archive-date=15 October 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Bart's mischievous nature and Homer's often-negligent, incompetent behavior create a turbulent, volatile, and abusive relationship between them.<ref name="r756">{{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}}</ref><ref name="u412"/> 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".<ref name="p862">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="c582">{{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 }}</ref> Homer's short temper leads to cartoonishly-violent outbursts, such as impulsively [[Strangulation in domestic violence|strangling]] Bart.<ref name="u941">{{cite web | last1=Andersson | first1=Eric | last2=Jackson | first2=Dory | title=Homer Will Continue to Strangle Bart on ''The Simpsons'', Says Co-Creator: 'Nothing's Changing' (Exclusive) | website=[[People (magazine)|People]] | date=November 12, 2023 | url=https://people.com/homer-continue-strangle-bart-the-simpsons-says-co-creator-exclusive-8400789 | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219084852/https://people.com/homer-continue-strangle-bart-the-simpsons-says-co-creator-exclusive-8400789 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="o514">{{cite web | last=Gornael | first=J.S. | title=The 10 Best Homer Episodes in ''The Simpsons'', Ranked | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=November 26, 2023 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-best-homer-episodes-ranked/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=August 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816012729/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-best-homer-episodes-ranked/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Marge is the more caring, understanding and nurturing parent,<ref name="o164">{{cite web | last1=Century | first1=Sara | last2=Gantt | first2=Kareem | title=''The Simpsons'' 13 Funniest Christmas Specials, Ranked | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=December 9, 2021 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-christmas-specials-funniest-ranked/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208213150/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-christmas-specials-funniest-ranked/ | url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Evans|2017|p=79}} although she acknowledges that Bart is "a handful"{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=18}} and is often embarrassed by his antics.<ref name="Defined">{{cite episode|title=Homer Defined|episode-link=Homer Defined|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Howard Gewirtz|Gewirtz, Howard]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=October 17, 1991|season=03|number=05}}</ref> In the episode "[[Marge Be Not Proud]]" ([[The Simpsons season 7|season seven]], 1995), Marge struggles with adjusting her parenting style after Bart is caught [[shoplifting]]; she becomes more distant to avoid over-mothering, which causes Bart to feel guilty and try to make amends.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge Be Not Proud|episode-link=Marge Be Not Proud|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Scully, Mike; [[Steven Dean Moore|Moore, Steven Dean]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 17, 1995|season=07|number=11}}</ref> Despite his rebellious attitude, Bart occasionally endures humiliation to please his mother.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge's Son Poisoning|episode-link=Marge's Son Poisoning|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Daniel Chun|Chun, Daniel]]; Anderson, Mike B.|network=Fox|airdate=November 13, 2005|season=17|number=05}}</ref> Marge frequently defends him, understanding his complexity.<ref name="u412">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="d796">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=10 ''The Simpsons'' Episodes That Went Too Far | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=July 3, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-storylines-jokes-went-too-far/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=July 29, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729003949/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-storylines-jokes-went-too-far/ | url-status=live }}</ref> She describes him as her "special little guy",{{sfn|Sanders|2009|p=144}} saying, "I know Bart can be a handful, but I also know what he's like inside. He's got a spark. It's not a bad thing{{nbsp}}[...] of course, it makes him do bad things".<ref name="Defined"/>
Bart shares [[sibling rivalry]] with his younger sister, Lisa.<ref name="r151">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=''The Simpsons'': 10 Best Bart & Lisa Episodes | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 26, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-most-memorable-bart-lisa-episodes/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=August 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804121108/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-most-memorable-bart-lisa-episodes/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Although they often disagree—sometimes physically—they have a deep bond and care for one another.<ref name="r151"/> Bart often apologizes when he goes too far and recognizes Lisa's superior intellect, frequently seeking her advice about problems.<ref name="First Word">{{cite episode|title=Lisa's First Word|episode-link=Lisa's First Word|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Martin, Jeff; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=December 3, 1992|season=04|number=10}}</ref><ref name="Duffless">{{cite episode|title=Duffless|episode-link=Duffless|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, David M.; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=February 18, 1993|season=04|number=16}}</ref> He is a popular "[[wiktionary:cool kid|cool kid]]" at school,<ref name="Summer">{{cite episode|title=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|episode-link=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Dan Greaney|Greaney, Dan]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=May 19, 1996|season=07|number=25}}</ref> and has many friends;<ref name="z099">{{cite web | last=Peeke | first=Dan | title=''The Simpsons'': 5 Reasons Bart Was The Best Main Character (& 5 Reasons It Was Homer) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=June 29, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-homer-best-main-character/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=April 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404161918/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-homer-best-main-character/ | url-status=live }}</ref> his closest is [[Milhouse Van Houten]].<ref name="h244">{{cite web | last=Sanders | first=Hank | title=Pamela Hayden, the Voice of Bart's Friend Milhouse, Retires From ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 21, 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/arts/television/pamela-hayden-retires-simpsons-milhouse-voice.html | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> His influence on Milhouse is often negative, leading them into mischief.<ref name="p387">{{cite web | last=Banks | first=Kayleigh | title=''The Simpsons'': 5 Times Bart Was A Terrible Friend To Milhouse (& 5 Times He Was Great) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=July 16, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-good-bad-friend-to-milhouse/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=May 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515103056/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-good-bad-friend-to-milhouse/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In "[[Homer Defined]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991), [[Luann Van Houten|Milhouse's mother]] forbids him from playing with Bart due to his bad influence; Bart is unfazed until he realizes how much he values their friendship, and Marge convinces Mrs. Van Houten to reconsider.<ref name="Defined"/>
Bart is a fan of the children's television host [[Krusty the Clown]], and has stated that "I've based my whole life on Krusty's teachings"; his room is filled with Krusty merchandise.{{sfn|Alberti|2004|p=12}}<ref name="KGB">{{cite episode |title=Krusty Gets Busted |episode-link=Krusty Gets Busted |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad |network=Fox |airdate=1990-04-29 |season=1 |number=12}}</ref> Bart helps Krusty a number of times, thwarting [[Sideshow Bob]]'s attempt to frame Krusty for armed robbery in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" (season one, 1990),<ref name="KGB"/> reuniting Krusty with his estranged father in "[[Like Father, Like Clown]]",<ref name="LFLC">{{cite episode|title=Like Father, Like Clown|episode-link=Like Father, Like Clown|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Jay Kogen|Kogen, Jay]]; [[Wallace Wolodarsky|Wolodarsky, Wallace]]; [[Brad Bird|Bird, Brad]]; Lynch, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=October 4, 1991|season=3|number=6}}</ref> and helping Krusty relaunch his career with a comeback special in "[[Krusty Gets Kancelled]]".<ref name="KGK">{{cite episode|title=Krusty Gets Kancelled|episode-link=Krusty Gets Kancelled|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=May 13, 1993|season=04|number=22}}</ref> Bart's initial confrontation with Sideshow Bob in "Krusty Gets Busted" sparks a long-term rivalry. The writers developed Bob as an intelligent, obsessive antagonist, inspired by the dynamic between [[Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner]].<ref name="JeanBW">{{cite news|last=Jean|first=Al|date=2003|title=Commentary for "[[Black Widower]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Bartmania ===
Bart became one of television's most popular characters in 1990, sparking a [[cultural phenomenon]] known as "Bartmania".{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=120–121}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22062437-5009160,00.html|title=''Simpsons'' Set for Big Screen|access-date=October 27, 2008|date=July 15, 2007|work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|archive-date=March 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301032414/http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22062437-5009160,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Kleinfield">{{Cite news |last=Kleinfield |first=N.R. |date=April 29, 1990 |title=Cashing in on a Hot New Brand Name |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/29/business/cashing-in-on-a-hot-new-brand-name.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830184121/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/29/business/cashing-in-on-a-hot-new-brand-name.html |archive-date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2008 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He became the most prominent ''Simpsons'' character on merchandise, particularly [[T-shirt]]s; during the early 1990s, millions of Bart-themed T-shirts were sold.<ref name="k622">{{cite web | title=The T-Shirt Industry Sweats It Out | website=[[The New York Times]] | first=Isadore | last=Barmash | date=December 30, 1990 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/business/the-t-shirt-industry-sweats-it-out.html?smid=url-share | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203024322/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/business/the-t-shirt-industry-sweats-it-out.html?smid=url-share | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's rebellious persona led some American public schools to ban T-shirts with sayings such as "I'm Bart Simpson. Who the hell are you?" and "Underachiever (and proud of it, man!)".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/business/the-t-shirt-industry-sweats-it-out.html|title=Overacheiver – And Learning to Deal With It, Man|access-date=September 18, 2008|date=December 30, 1990|last=Rohter|first=Larry|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p594">{{cite web | last=Robinson | first=Gaile | title=Schools, Penney's Having a Cow About Bart Simpson T-Shirt | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 3, 1990 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-03-vw-411-story.html | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> A T-shirt with that caption is in the [[National Museum of American History]].<ref name="z648">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson "Underachiever and Proud of it, Man!" t-shirt | publisher=[[Smithsonian Institution]] | url=https://www.si.edu/object/bart-simpson-underachiever-and-proud-it-man-t-shirt%3Anmah_2028836 | access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219075451/https://www.si.edu/object/bart-simpson-underachiever-and-proud-it-man-t-shirt%3Anmah_2028836 |url-status=live}}</ref> The popularity of ''Simpsons'' merchandise was a commercial success, generating $2 billion in revenue in its first 14 months of sales.<ref name="j552">{{cite web | title=''Simpsons'' Couch on the Run | website=[[The New Indian Express]] | date=February 18, 2009 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2009/Feb/18/simpsons-couch-on-the-run-26653.html | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219234148/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2009/Feb/18/simpsons-couch-on-the-run-26653.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's appeal also inspired a thriving black market for [[Counterfeit consumer good|counterfeit merchandise]], particularly T-shirts. The items featured Bart with various slogans and redesigns, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Bart", "Air Simpson Bart", and "RastaBart".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/07/27/bootleg-simpsons-shirts/|title=But Is It Bart?|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=July 27, 1990|last=Svetkey|first=Benjamin|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003050127/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C317834%2C00.html|archive-date=October 3, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Groening generally tolerated bootleg merchandise, he objected to a series of "[[Nazism|Nazi]] Bart" shirts with Bart in Nazi uniforms or as a [[white power skinhead]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.02/futurama_pr.html|title=One-Eyed Aliens! Suicide Booths! Mom's Old-Fashioned Robot Oil!|access-date=October 30, 2008|year=1999|last=Kelly|first=Kevin|magazine=[[WIRED]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004174227/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.02/futurama_pr.html|archive-date=October 4, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> 20th Century Fox sued the creator of the offensive designs, who agreed to cease production.<ref>{{cite news|title=Metzger Stops 'Nazi Bart' T-Shirt Sales|date=June 4, 1991|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
[[File:Michael Jackson with the Reagans (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|alt=Michael Jackson in a blue suit with a gold diagonal strike, and a white shirt underneath. He has white gloves, waving with his right hand. He is wearing sunglasses.|[[Michael Jackson]] (''pictured in 1984'') provided backing vocals for "Do the Bartman".]]
Bart was described as "television's king of 1990",<ref>{{cite news|title=Television in 1990 – Among Bright Spots: 'Civil War,' CBS, 'Simpsons'|date=December 30, 1990|last=McDaniel|first=Mike|work=The Sunday Times}}</ref> "television's brightest new star",<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson Was Ray of Hope in a Year of Generally Drab Television|date=December 30, 1990|last=Boone|first=Mike|work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]]}}</ref> and an "undiminished smash".<ref name="Shirts">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20114134,00.html|title=Bart Simpson–Defiant, Saw-Topped And Cheeky—the Brat Terrible Gave Underachievers a Good Name|access-date=September 18, 2008|date=December 31, 1990|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|volume=34|issue=26|archive-date=February 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206050228/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20114134,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was one of the most popular [[write-in candidate]]s in the 1990 United States [[1990 United States House of Representatives elections|congressional]], [[1990 United States Senate elections|senatorial]] and [[1990 United States gubernatorial elections|gubernatorial]] elections, second in a number of areas only to [[Mickey Mouse]] among fictional characters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Write-Ins Galore: Cast of Ballot Characters Widens|date=December 30, 1990|last=Potter|first=Bruce|work=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mickey, Bart Fit Write-In At Ballot Box|date=November 9, 1990|last=Stromberg|first=Amy|work=[[Sun-Sentinel|South Florida Sun-Sentinel]]|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-11-09/news/9002240447_1_write-in-votes-bart-simpson-election-day|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172710/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-11-09/news/9002240447_1_write-in-votes-bart-simpson-election-day|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the 1990 [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]], Bart debuted as one of the giant helium-filled balloons for which the parade is known.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson, 'Falloon' Floats Debut at Macy's N.Y. Thanksgiving Parade|date=November 23, 1990|last=Stromberg|first=Amy|work=[[The Press of Atlantic City]]}}</ref> This was noted in ''The Simpsons'' episode "[[Bart vs. Thanksgiving]]", which aired the day of the parade, where Homer tells Bart: "If you start building a balloon for every flash-in-the-pan cartoon character, you turn the parade into a farce!". Behind and unbeknownst to Homer, the television briefly shows a Bart Simpson balloon.<ref name="Thanksgiving">{{cite episode|title=Bart Vs. Thanksgiving|episode-link=Bart vs. Thanksgiving|series=The Simpsons|credits=Meyer, George; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=November 22, 1990|season=02|number=07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season2/page7.shtml|title=Bart Vs. Thanksgiving|access-date=October 30, 2008|last1=Martyn|first1=Warren|last2=Wood|first2=Adrian|year=2000|website=[[BBC News]]|archive-date=May 25, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060525122625/https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season2/page7.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
The album ''[[The Simpsons Sing the Blues]]'' was released in September 1990. It peaked at number three on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]],<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=22526&model.vnuAlbumId=378393|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301051415/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=22526&model.vnuAlbumId=378393|archive-date=March 1, 2009|title=Artist Chart History – ''The Simpsons''|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=October 28, 2008}}</ref> and was certified double platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Simpsons&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA Searchable Database – Gold and Platinum|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=November 5, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103134319/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Simpsons&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25|archive-date=November 3, 2015}}</ref> The first single from the album was the [[Hip-hop|pop rap]] song "[[Do the Bartman]]", performed by Nancy Cartwright and released on November 20, 1990. The song was written by [[Bryan Loren]], a friend of [[Michael Jackson]] (who provided backing vocals on the track).<ref name="fact">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/22/the-simpsons-do-the-bartman-michael-jackson-bryan-loren/|website=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact]]|title=Michael Jackson Didn't Write 'Do The Bartman' After All|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723004024/http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/22/the-simpsons-do-the-bartman-michael-jackson-bryan-loren/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jackson was a fan of ''The Simpsons'' (especially Bart),{{sfn|Cartwright|2000|pp=115–117}} and had called the producers offering to write Bart a single and make a guest appearance on the show.<ref name="h963">{{cite magazine | last=Rincón | first=Alessandra | title=Matt Groening Confirms Michael Jackson Was On ''The Simpsons'': 'We Really Did Have Him' | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=August 30, 2018 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/matt-groening-confirms-michael-jackson-was-on-the-simpsons-8472940/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219185055/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/matt-groening-confirms-michael-jackson-was-on-the-simpsons-8472940/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson guest-starred in the episode "[[Stark Raving Dad]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991) with the pseudonym John Jay Smith.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season3/page1.shtml|title=Stark Raving Dad|access-date=October 28, 2008|last1=Martyn|first1=Warren|last2=Wood|first2=Adrian|year=2000|publisher=[[BBC]]|archive-date=June 23, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030623191042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season3/page1.shtml}}</ref> Although "Do the Bartman" was never released as a single in the United States, it was successful in the United Kingdom; it was the number-one song from February 16 to March 9, 1991, and was the year's fifth-best-selling song.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Copsey |first1=Rob |title=Official Top 40 best-selling songs of 1991 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-top-40-best-selling-songs-of-1991__33179/ |website=[[Official Charts Company]] |date=May 21, 2021|access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref> It sold half a million copies, and was certified gold by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] on February 1, 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=18135|title=Certified Awards|access-date=October 28, 2008|publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525230952/http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=18135|archive-date=May 25, 2008}}</ref>
=== Cultural influence, reception, and commendations ===
Bart has been described as one of the most iconic television characters of the 1990s,<ref name="s099">{{cite web | last=Parker | first=Jake | title=The 10 Best Characters in ''The Simpsons'', Ranked | website=[[Collider.com|Collider]] | date=May 11, 2024 | url=https://collider.com/simpsons-characters-ranked/ | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=May 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512074814/https://collider.com/simpsons-characters-ranked/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="r815">{{cite web | last=Sargeant | first=Rebecca | title=10 Iconic TV Characters That Defined The 1990s | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 25, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/tv-show-characters-1990s-defined-iconic/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o959">{{cite web | last=Rosenberg | first=Howard | title=Dude of the Year: Bart Simpson was TV's Bitingly Funny Anti-Hero in a Year That Saw Both Ambitious Flameouts and Eloquent Triumphs | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=December 23, 1990 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-23-ca-9707-story.html | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> and is considered an American [[cultural icon]].<ref name="h053">{{cite web | last=Hajek | first=Danny | title='Whoa, Mama!': A Voice Actress's Road To Fame As A 10-Year-Old Boy | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 28, 2015 | url=https://www.npr.org/2015/02/28/389575645/whoa-mama-a-voice-actresss-road-to-fame-as-a-10-year-old-boy | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=July 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719174100/https://www.npr.org/2015/02/28/389575645/whoa-mama-a-voice-actresss-road-to-fame-as-a-10-year-old-boy | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="j592">{{cite web | first=Susan | last=Cheng | title=Emmanuel Mauleón's Illustrations of Black Bart Simpson Ev... | website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] | date=January 23, 2014 | url=https://www.complex.com/style/a/susan-cheng/emmanuel-mauleon-black-bart-simpson-bartmania | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=August 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811041253/https://www.complex.com/style/a/susan-cheng/emmanuel-mauleon-black-bart-simpson-bartmania | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="u994">{{cite web | title=Bart's Voice Tells All | website=[[BBC News]] | date=November 10, 2000 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=July 1, 2004 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040701164123/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1990, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' named him Entertainer of the Year, writing that "Bart has proved to be a rebel who's also a good kid, a terror who's easily terrorized, and a flake who astonishes us, and himself, with serious displays of fortitude".<ref name="k288">{{cite magazine | title=Flashback! EW's Entertainers of the Year Since 1990 | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=November 6, 2008 | url=https://ew.com/gallery/flashback-ews-entertainers-year-1990-0/ | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=June 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612114957/https://ew.com/gallery/flashback-ews-entertainers-year-1990-0/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1998, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' included Bart on the magazine's list of the [[Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century|100 most important people of the 20th century]], the only fictional character on the list.<ref name="j265">{{cite magazine | last=Corliss | first=Richard | title=The Cartoon Character Bart Simpson | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=June 8, 1998 | url=https://time.com/archive/6598178/the-cartoon-character-bart-simpson/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219211332/https://time.com/archive/6598178/the-cartoon-character-bart-simpson/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="k818">{{cite web | last=Amlen | first=Deb | title=Stock Character | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=July 24, 2020 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/crosswords/daily-puzzle-2020-07-24.html | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220024840/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/crosswords/daily-puzzle-2020-07-24.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He had appeared previously on the cover of ''Time''{{'s}} December 31, 1990, issue.<ref name="a643">{{cite magazine | title=Time Magazine Cover: Bart Simpson | date=December 31, 1990 | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | url=https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19901231,00.html | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220012034/https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19901231,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1996, Bart was named 48th on [[TV Guide]]'s list of "50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Beyond Our 50 Greatest Stars|magazine=[[TV Guide]]|date=1997|volume=45|page=44}}</ref> In 2002, he and Lisa were ranked eleventh on the magazine's "Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/|title=TV Guide's 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time|date=July 30, 2002|access-date=December 19, 2024|publisher=[[CNN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208160659/https://edition.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/|archive-date=February 8, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' writers ranked Bart the 26th-greatest cartoon character of all time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-50-best-cartoon-characters-of-all-time/#26-bart-simpson-the-simpsons | title=The 50 Best Cartoon Characters of All Time | first1= Joseph |last1=Stanichar | first2=Josh |last2=Jackson | website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] | 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/#26-bart-simpson-the-simpsons | url-status=dead }}</ref>
From entertainment critics, Bart has received mostly positive reviews. ''[[Screen Rant]]''{{'}}s Dan Peeke praised him as the "best main character" in 2020, calling him "relatable" and saying that "everyone can relate to at least some element of his personality".<ref name="z099"/> In a 2024 review, Darryn King of ''[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]'' called Bart a "back-talking, trouble-making, prank-calling, cherry-bomb-detonating, and, yes, graffiti-tagging cartoon creation, who was at the time fast becoming a cultural icon".<ref name="z107">{{cite web | last=King | first=Darryn | title=What the Hell Was Bartmania? | website=[[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]] | date=December 17, 2024 | url=https://www.vulture.com/article/the-simpsons-bartmania-bart-simpson-matt-groening-interview.html | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217235638/https://www.vulture.com/article/the-simpsons-bartmania-bart-simpson-matt-groening-interview.html | url-status=live }}</ref> A 2023 ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' review said that the episode "[[Bart Gets an 'F']]" was a "turning point for the show, showing that Bart could be more than just a punchline while paving the way for future episodes that fleshed out his character".<ref name="c631">{{cite web | last=Williamson | first=Samuel | title=''The Simpsons'' Episode That Changed Bart Forever | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=November 12, 2023 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-bart-gets-an-f/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 8, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208085915/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-bart-gets-an-f/ | url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Erma Bombeck]], "Kids need to know that somewhere in this world is a contemporary who can pull off all the things they can only fantasize about, someone who can stick it to their parents once in a while and still be permitted to live".<ref name="u725">{{cite web | last=Bombeck | first=Erma | author-link=Erma Bombeck | title=Children's TV role models stand tall | website=[[Deseret News]] | date=May 27, 1990 | url=https://www.deseret.com/1990/5/27/18864113/children-s-tv-role-models-stand-tall-warts-and-all/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219210419/https://www.deseret.com/1990/5/27/18864113/children-s-tv-role-models-stand-tall-warts-and-all/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, a survey of parents in the United Kingdom ranked Bart the most influential fictional character for children under age twelve.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_2972000/2972291.stm|title=Bart Simpson Is Your Top Role Model|date=April 24, 2003|access-date=October 28, 2008|work=[[CBBC Newsround]]|archive-date=November 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108013700/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_2972000/2972291.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The Simpsons star.jpg|thumb|alt=A red star with a small medal inside of it and text that reads THE SIMPSONS.|''The Simpsons'' has been awarded a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].]]
Cartwright has received a number of awards for her performance. At the [[44th Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 1992 she received a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance]] for her portrayal of Bart in the season-three episode "Separate Vocations", sharing the award with five other voice actors from ''The Simpsons''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Briefing–'Simpsons' Score Big in Prime-Time Emmys|date=August 3, 1992|page=L20|work=[[Daily News of Los Angeles]]}}</ref> Episodes featuring Bart have been nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program]], including "[[Radio Bart]]" in 1992,<ref name="m526">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=''The Simpsons'': Every Emmy-Nominated Episode, Ranked | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=January 16, 2020 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520155519/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-every-emmy-nominated-episode-ranked-animated-series/ | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-every-emmy-nominated-episode-ranked-animated-series/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> "[[Future-Drama]]" in 2005,{{sfn|Gitlin|2013|p=105}} and "[[Homer's Phobia]]" in 1997.{{sfn|Gitlin|2013|p=104}} Cartwright received an [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production|Annie Award for Voice Acting in the Field of Animation]] in 1995 for her work as Bart.<ref name="s173">{{cite web | title=Nancy Cartwright - ''The Simpsons'' | publisher=[[Fox Broadcasting Company]] | url=https://www.fox.com/the-simpsons/credits/nancy-cartwright-bartholomew-jo-jo-bart-simpson/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In 2000, Bart and the rest of the Simpson family were recognized with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard.{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=11}}<ref name="m113">{{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}}</ref>
=== Negative influence on children ===
Bart's rebellious nature, often accompanied by a lack of consequences for his actions, led some parents, educators, and conservative groups to view him as a negative influence on children.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=131}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6252856.stm|title=Is ''The Simpsons'' Still Subversive?|access-date=August 6, 2007|date=June 29, 2007|last=Rosenbaum|first=Martin|website=[[BBC News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825051633/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6252856.stm|archive-date=August 25, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics said that Bart's behavior made him a poor role model, with Robert Bianco of the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' describing him as a character who "outwits his parents and outtalks his teachers; in short, he's the child we wish we'd been, and fear our children will become".<ref>{{cite news|title=Weekend TV: Beer'N' Bart Giving Parents Prime-Time Hangover|date=June 28, 1990|last=Bianco|first=Robert|work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]}}</ref> Educators expressed concern that Bart's "underachiever and proud of it" attitude and disdain for education posed a "threat to learning",<ref name="BartaBrat">{{cite news|title=Is Bart a Brat? Popular Cartoon Kid as Annoying to Some as He Is Funny to Others|date=June 2, 1990|last=Freedman|first=Donna|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]}}</ref> and others called him "egotistical, aggressive, and mean-spirited".<ref name="CoolDude">{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson: Cool Dude or Smart-Aleck Menace?|date=June 1, 1990|last=Dunne|first=Mike|work=[[The Sacramento Bee]]}}</ref> In response to criticism, producer James L. Brooks defended the character: "I'm very wary of television where everybody is supposed to be a role model. You don't run across that many role models in real life. Why should television be full of them?"<ref name="w387">{{cite news | last=Shales | first=Tom | title=''The Simpsons'' | newspaper=[[Washington Post]] | date=October 11, 1990 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1990/10/11/the-simpsons/4b6c0919-b26f-47a3-946b-1046f47fcfcf/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>
U.S. [[drug czar]] William Bennett visited a Pittsburgh drug treatment center in 1990 and saw a poster of Bart. Bennett said, "You guys aren't watching ''The Simpsons'', are you? That's not going to help you any".<ref name="f165">{{cite web | title="You guys aren't watching ''The Simpsons'', are... | website=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=May 29, 1990 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/05/29/you-guys-arent-watching-the-simpsons-are/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref><ref name="q047">{{cite web | title=Names in the News: Drug Czar Snipes at 'Simpsons' | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 17, 1990 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-17-vw-611-story.html | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Bennett later apologized, saying that he was "just kidding": "I'll sit down with the little spike head. We'll straighten this thing out."<ref name="f175">{{cite web | title='Just kidding' About Bart, Drug Czar Bennett Says | website=[[Orlando Sentinel]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 27, 1990 | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/05/27/just-kidding-about-bart-drug-czar-bennett-says/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=September 7, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907053108/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/05/27/just-kidding-about-bart-drug-czar-bennett-says/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="j510">{{cite web | title=Drug Czar Says He'd Like to Have a Talk with Bart Simpson | website=[[The Morning Call]] | date=May 26, 1990 | url=https://www.mcall.com/1990/05/26/drug-czar-says-hed-like-to-have-a-talk-with-bart-simpson/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> [[Bill Cosby]] called Bart a poor role model in a 1991 interview, describing him as "angry, confused, [and] frustrated".<ref name="Nowayman">{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson a Role Model? No Way, Man, Groening Says|first1=Marilyn|last1=Beck|first2=Jenel Smith|last2=Stacy|newspaper=[[Orange County Register]]|date=September 23, 1991|page=F02}}</ref> Groening responded, "That sums up Bart, all right. Most people are in a struggle to be normal. He thinks normal is very boring and does things that others just wished they dare do".<ref name="Nowayman"/> U.S. president [[George H. W. Bush]] said in 1992, "We are going to keep on trying to strengthen the American family, to make American families a lot more like [[the Waltons]] and a lot less like the Simpsons".{{sfn|Anderson|2024|p=209}} The show's writers then produced a short segment that aired three days later (before a rerun of "[[Stark Raving Dad]]"), in which Bart says: "Hey, we're just like the Waltons. We're praying for an end to the Depression, too."<ref name="z432">{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=Read the Apology Letter Barbara Bush Once Wrote to Marge Simpson | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=April 18, 2018 | url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/04/18/the-simpsons-barbara-bush-apology-letter-to-marge/ | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref><ref name="s787"/>
=== Merchandising ===
In addition to T-shirts, Bart has been featured in a variety of ''The Simpsons''-related merchandise which includes dolls, napkins, [[air freshener]]s, cups, chewing gum, beach towels, sleeping bags, snow boots, rubber [[sponge ball]]s, license-plate frames, [[scratch paper]], laminated magnets, and handheld [[pinball game]]s.<ref name="Kleinfield" /> Two [[List of The Simpsons books|books]] have been published about the character: ''[[Bart Simpson's Guide to Life]]'' (1993) and ''The Bart Book'' (2004, both primarily by Groening).{{sfn|Groening|2004|p=cover}}{{sfn|Groening|1996|p=cover}} ''[[The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer]]'' (2001) contains a chapter analyzing Bart's character and comparing him to the "[[Friedrich Nietzsche|Nietzschean]] ideal".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/09/weekinreview/word-for-word-deconstructing-simpsons-aristotelian-logic-bart-homer-it-platonic.html|title=The Aristotelian Logic of Bart And Homer|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=September 9, 2001|last=Blair|first=Jayson|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=subscription|archive-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108030441/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/09/weekinreview/word-for-word-deconstructing-simpsons-aristotelian-logic-bart-homer-it-platonic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bart has appeared in media related to ''The Simpsons''. He is featured in most of [[List of The Simpsons video games|''The Simpsons'' video games]], such as ''[[The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World|Bart vs. the World]]'' (1991),{{sfn|Scullion|2019|p=166}} ''[[Bart Simpson's Escape from Camp Deadly]]'' (1991),{{sfn|Scullion|2024|p=22}} ''[[The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants|Bart vs. the Space Mutants]]'' (1991),<ref name=Kesten>{{cite news|last=Kesten|first=Lou|title=''The Simpsons: Bart Vs. The Space Mutants''|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313917,00.html|accessdate=December 20, 2024|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=April 21, 1991|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021214439/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313917,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[The Simpsons: Bart's House of Weirdness|Bart's House of Weirdness]]'' (1992),<ref name="p369">{{cite web | title=''The Simpsons: Bart's House of Weirdness'' | website=[[IGN]] | date=July 22, 2022 | url=https://www.ign.com/games/the-simpsons-barts-house-of-weirdness | access-date=December 20, 2024}}</ref> and ''[[The Simpsons Game]]'' (2007).<ref name="x990">{{cite web | last=Stedman | first=Alex | title=EA Will Be Sunsetting ''The Simpsons'': Tapped Out After 12 Years | website=[[IGN]] | date=September 26, 2024 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-will-be-sunsetting-the-simpsons-tapped-out-after-12-years | access-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-date=November 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120083305/https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-will-be-sunsetting-the-simpsons-tapped-out-after-12-years | url-status=live }}</ref>{{NoteTag|See the [[List of The Simpsons video games|List of ''The Simpsons'' video games]].}} Bart was a recurring character in the [[Bongo Comics]]-distributed ''[[Simpsons Comics]]'', which debuted in November 1993 and was published until October 2018.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=146}}<ref name="msnbc">{{cite web|url=http://cagle.msnbc.com/hogan/features/simpsons_sundays/simpsons_on_sundays.asp |title=Sundays with ''The Simpsons''|access-date=December 20, 2024|last=Shutt|first=Craig|publisher=[[MSNBC]] |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}}</ref> He headlined [[List of The Simpsons comics#Bart Simpson|his eponymous comic-book series]], which was distributed by Bongo Comics from 2000 to 2016.<ref name="msnbc"/><ref name="gazette">{{cite news|title=Groening Launches Futurama Comics|work=[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]]|date=November 19, 2000|last=Radford|first=Bill}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=In Stores 2-24-16|date=February 22, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324034636/https://www.bongocomics.com/blog/02/22/2016/in-stores-2-24-16-0|publisher=[[Bongo Comics]]|url=https://www.bongocomics.com/blog/02/22/2016/in-stores-2-24-16-0}}</ref> Bart plays a role in [[The Simpsons Ride|''The Simpsons'' Ride]], a [[simulator ride|motion-simulator ride]]{{sfn|Sehlinger|2009|p=208}} launched in 2008 at [[Universal Studios Florida]] and [[Universal Studios Hollywood]].{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2019|p=12}} On December 9, 2024, ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' hosted an [[The Simpsons Funday Football|animated ''Simpsons'' version]] of the [[2024 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]-[[2024 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] game which paralleled the events on the field.<ref name="r960">{{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}}</ref>
Bart and other ''Simpsons'' characters appeared in television commercials for [[Nestlé]]'s [[Butterfinger]] candy bars from 1988 to 2001, using the slogan "Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger!".<ref name="h181">{{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 }}</ref> Groening later noted that the success of the Butterfinger commercials played a significant role in Fox's decision to greenlight the half-hour series.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Bart has also appeared in commercials for the fast-food [[Burger King advertising|Burger King]] chain.<ref name="h709">{{cite web | agency=[[Associated Press]] | first=Gail | last=Schiller | title=''Simpsons'' Fans Have it Their Way | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=July 20, 2007 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/simpsons-fans-have-way-144210/ | access-date=December 20, 2024}}</ref> In 2001, [[Kellogg's]] introduced the limited-edition Bart Simpson Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch cereal.<ref name="x608">{{cite web | last=Collins | first=Tim | title=Bernie Sanders Coming To Battle Creek To Support Striking Kellogg Employees | publisher=[[WBCK-FM]] | date=December 15, 2021 | url=https://wbckfm.com/bernie-sanders-coming-to-battle-creek-to-support-striking-kellogg-employees/ | access-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-date=May 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508235638/https://wbckfm.com/bernie-sanders-coming-to-battle-creek-to-support-striking-kellogg-employees/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Groening pitched Bart as a spokesperson for Jell-O before the launch of the half-hour series, suggesting a commercial in which Bart would sing "J-E-L-L-O" and burp the letter "O". He believed that kids would try to mimic it, but the idea was rejected.<ref>{{cite news|last=Groening|first=Matt|year=2001a|title=Commentary for "[[There's No Disgrace Like Home]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> On April 9, 2009, the [[United States Postal Service]] introduced a series of five 44-cent stamps commemorating Bart and the other members of the Simpson family. The stamps were the first since ''[[Sesame Street]]'' which were issued while their show was still in production. Designed by Groening, they became available for purchase on May 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ifcc0b6f995bc3974307adf134bb3a5a5 |title=Postal Service Launching 'Simpsons' Stamps |date=April 1, 2009 |access-date=May 8, 2009 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |last=Szalai|first=George |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404084132/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ifcc0b6f995bc3974307adf134bb3a5a5 |archive-date=April 4, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_048.htm?from=home_newsandannounce&page=SimpsonsStandingOvation |title=''The Simpsons'' Get 'Stamping Ovation' To Tune of 1 Billion Stamps |date=May 7, 2009 |publisher=[[United States Postal Service]] |access-date=May 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606080140/http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_048.htm?from=home_newsandannounce&page=SimpsonsStandingOvation |archive-date=June 6, 2011 }}</ref>
==
{{NoteFoot}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book | last=Alberti | first=John | title=Leaving Springfield | publisher=[[Wayne State University Press]] | date=2004 | isbn=978-0-8143-2849-1}}
* {{cite book | last=Anderson | first=Terry H. | title=Why the Nineties Matter | publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] | date=2024 | isbn=978-0-19-776301-8}}
* {{cite book | last1=Brown | first1=Alan S. | last2=Logan | first2=Chris | title=The Psychology of the Simpsons | publisher=[[BenBella Books]] | date=2009 | isbn=978-1-935251-39-2}}
* {{cite book | last1=Browne | first1=Ray Broadus | author-link1=Ray B. Browne | last2=Browne | first2=Pat | title=The Guide to United States Popular Culture | publisher=[[Bowling Green State University Popular Press]] | date=2001 | isbn=978-0-87972-821-2}}
* {{cite book | last1=Browning | first1=John Edgar | last2=Picart | first2=Caroline Joan "Kay" | title=Dracula in Visual Media | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | date=2014 | isbn=978-0-7864-6201-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Cartwright|first=Nancy|title=My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy|year=2000|publisher=Hyperion Books|isbn=978-0-7868-8600-5|title-link=My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy}}
* {{cite book | last=Evans | first=Noell K. Wolfgram | title=Animators of Film and Television | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | publication-place=Jefferson, N.C | date=2017-02-10 | isbn=978-0-7864-8603-8}}
* {{cite book | last=Ezell | first=Silas Kaine | title=Humor and Satire on Contemporary Television | publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] | date=2016 | isbn=978-1-317-11941-8}}
* {{cite book | last=Fink | first=Moritz | title=The Simpsons: A Cultural History | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2019 | isbn=978-1-5381-1617-3}}
* {{cite book | last=Feltmate | first=David | title=Drawn to the Gods | publisher=[[New York University Press]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4798-9036-1}}
* {{cite book | last1=Friedrich | first1=Daniel | last2=Colmenares | first2=Erica | title=Resonances of El Chavo del Ocho in Latin American Childhood, Schooling, and Societies | publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4742-9888-9}}
* {{cite book | last=Gitlin | first=Martin | title=The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time | publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]] | date=2013 | isbn=978-0-8108-8725-1}}
* {{cite book | last=Groening | first=Matt | title=Bart Simpson's Guide to Life | publisher=[[HarperCollins]] | date=1996 | isbn=978-0-00-638874-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Groening |title=The Bart Book |date=2004 |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |isbn=978-0007191697}}
* {{cite book|last=Groening|first=Matt|author-link=Matt Groening|editor1-first=Ray|editor1-last=Richmond|editor1-link=Ray Richmond|editor2-first=Antonia|editor2-last=Coffman|title=The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family|edition=1st|year=1997|publisher=[[HarperPerennial]]|lccn=98141857|ol=433519M|oclc=37796735|isbn=978-0-06-095252-5|ref={{sfnref|Richmond & Coffman|1997}}|title-link=The Simpsons episode guides#The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family}}
* {{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |title=Simpsons Comics Royale |publisher=[[HarperPerennial]] |year=2001b |___location=New York |isbn=0-06-093378-X |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/simpsonscomicsro00groe}}
* {{cite book | last1=Jackson | first1=Ronald L. | last2=Moshin | first2=Jamie E. | title=Communicating Marginalized Masculinities | publisher=[[Routledge]] | date=2013 | isbn=978-0-415-62307-0}}
* {{cite book | last=Lee | first=Judith Yaross | title=Twain's Brand | publisher=[[University Press of Mississippi]] | date=2012 | isbn=978-1-61703-643-9}}
* {{cite book |first1=Yair | last1=Neuman | first2=Marcel | last2=Danesi | first3=Dan | last3=Vilenchik | title=Using AI for Dialoguing with Texts: From Psychology to Cinema and Literature | publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] | date=2022 | isbn=978-1-0008-0678-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Perlmutter | first=David | title=The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2018 | isbn=978-1-5381-0374-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Pinsky | first=Mark | title=The Gospel According to the Simpsons | publisher=[[Presbyterian Publishing Corporation]] | date=2007 | isbn=978-0-664-23160-6}}
* {{cite book | last1=Reiss | first1=Mike | last2=Klickstein | first2=Mathew | title=Springfield Confidential | publisher=[[Dey Street Books]] | date=2018 | isbn=978-0-06-274803-4}}
* {{cite book | last=Sanders | first=Theresa | title=Approaching Eden | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2009 | isbn=978-0-7425-6333-9}}
* {{cite book | last=Scullion | first=Chris | title=The NES Encyclopedia | publisher=[[Pen & Sword Books]] | date=2019 | isbn=978-1-5267-3782-3}}
* {{cite book | last=Scullion | first=Chris | title=The Game Boy Encyclopedia | publisher=[[Pen & Sword Books]] | date=2024 | isbn=978-1-3990-9680-5}}
* {{cite book | last=Sehlinger| first=Bob | title=Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando | publisher=[[Wiley (publisher)|Wiley]] | date=2009 | orig-year=1999| isbn=978-0-4704-6031-3}}
* {{cite book |first=Tom | last=Sito | author-link=Tom Sito | title=Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson | publisher=[[University Press of Kentucky]] | date=2006| isbn=978-1-0008-0678-6}}
* {{cite book | last1=Stabile | first1=Carol A. | last2=Harrison | first2=Mark | title=Prime Time Animation | publisher=[[Routledge]] | date=2003 | isbn=978-0-415-28326-7}}
* {{cite book | last=Terrace | first=Vincent | title=Television Series of the 1980s | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4422-7831-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Turner|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Turner (author)|title=Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation|others=Foreword by [[Douglas Coupland]]|edition=1st|year=2004|___location=Toronto|publisher=Random House Canada|oclc=55682258|isbn=978-0-679-31318-2|title-link=Planet Simpson}}
* {{cite book | last1=Waltonen | first1=Karma | last2=Du Vernay | first2=Denise | title=The Simpsons' Beloved Springfield | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | date=2019 | isbn=978-1-4766-7455-1}}
* {{cite book |first1=Karma | last1=Waltonen | first2=Denise | last2=Du Vernay | title=The Simpsons in the Classroom: Embiggening the Learning Experience with the Wisdom of Springfield | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | date=2014 | isbn=978-0-7864-5692-5}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|date=2025-01-25|En-Bart Simpson.ogg}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171128220633/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003013/ Bart Simpson] on [[IMDb]]
{{The Simpsons}}
{{Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:
[[Category:Animated human characters]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Child characters in television]]
[[Category:Male characters in animated television series]]
[[Category:Child characters in animated films]]
[[
[[Category:Comedy film characters]]
[[Category:Counterculture of the 1990s]]
[[Category:Television controversies in the United States]]
[[Category:Fictional pranksters]]
[[Category:Fictional skateboarders]]
[[Category:Characters created by Matt Groening]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
[[Category:Fictional victims of child abuse]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from the 20th century]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1987]]
[[Category:Animated characters introduced in 1987]]
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