Bart Simpson, the eternal 10-year-old troublemaker from The Simpsons, has been a pop culture icon since his debut in 1989. With his spiky hair, skateboard, and catchphrase “Eat my shorts!”, Bart has become one of the most recognizable characters in television history.
But beyond his pranks and rebellious attitude, there’s a lot more to Bart than meets the eye.
From his surprising inspirations to his hidden talents, here are 30 weird and wonderful facts about everyone’s favorite underachiever!
1. Bart’s Name Is an Anagram
Bart’s full name, Bartholomew JoJo Simpson, is an anagram for “Brat Simpson.” Fitting, right?
2. He Was Almost Named “Matt”
Before settling on Bart, creator Matt Groening considered naming the character after himself. Imagine yelling, “Don’t have a cow, Matt!”
3. Bart’s Voice Actor Is a Woman
Nancy Cartwright has been voicing Bart since the beginning. She also voices other characters like Nelson Muntz and Ralph Wiggum.
4. Bart’s Hair Is Shaped Like a “M”
Look closely, Bart’s spiky hair forms the letter “M,” a subtle nod to the show’s creator, Matt Groening.
5. He’s a Leftie
Bart is left-handed, just like Matt Groening. This detail is often reflected in the animation.
6. Bart’s Catchphrase Was Almost “Eat My Shorts!”
“Eat my shorts!” was almost “Eat my pants!” but the writers thought “shorts” sounded funnier.
7. He’s a Skilled Graffiti Artist
Bart’s chalkboard gags at the beginning of each episode are legendary. Some of them are so controversial that they’ve been censored in reruns.
Well, skilled might be the wrong word, haha!
8. Bart Has a Twin Sister
In an early episode, Bart discovers he has a twin sister named Abigail. However, she was given up for adoption, and the storyline was never revisited.
9. He’s a Published Author
Bart wrote a children’s book called The Bart Book, which was released as a tie-in with the show.
10. Bart’s Birthday Is April 1
April Fools’ Day is the perfect birthday for a prankster like Bart.
11. He’s a Grammy Nominee
Bart’s hit song “Do the Bartman” was nominated for a Grammy in 1991. The song was co-written by Michael Jackson!
12. Bart’s Middle Name, JoJo, Has a Dark Origin
Matt Groening revealed that Bart’s middle name, JoJo, was inspired by a character in a novel about a boy who kills his family. Yikes!
13. He’s a Vegetarian
In one episode, Bart gives up meat after bonding with a lamb. He remains a vegetarian for the rest of the series.
14. Bart Has a Criminal Record
Bart has been arrested multiple times for various pranks, including stealing a video game and causing a riot at a baseball game.
15. He’s a Licensed Minister
In the episode Bart Sells His Soul, Bart becomes a licensed minister to perform a wedding ceremony.
16. Bart’s Voice Was Used to Scare Birds
Nancy Cartwright recorded Bart’s voice for a device designed to scare birds away from crops. It worked until the birds got used to it.
17. He’s a Comic Book Star
Bart has appeared in his own comic book series, Simpsons Comics, where he often takes on superhero personas like Bartman.
18. Bart’s Favorite Band Is The Ramones
Bart is a huge fan of punk rock, and The Ramones even appeared on the show to perform at his birthday party.
19. He’s a Chess Champion
Despite being an underachiever, Bart once won a chess tournament by using unorthodox strategies.
20. Bart Has a Pet Frog
In addition to Santa’s Little Helper, Bart once had a pet frog named Larry.
21. He’s a Movie Star
Bart starred in the 2007 film The Simpsons Movie, where he skateboarded naked through Springfield.
22. Bart’s Voice Changed in the Early Seasons
In the first season, Bart’s voice was slightly deeper. Nancy Cartwright adjusted it to make him sound more like a 10-year-old.
23. He’s a Licensed Pilot
In one episode, Bart accidentally flies a plane and lands it safely, earning his pilot’s license.
24. Bart Has a Doppelgänger
A character named Bart Junior appears in one episode, claiming to be Bart’s long-lost son.
25. He’s a Talented Artist
Bart’s drawings often appear in the show, and he’s even won awards for his artwork.
26. Bart’s Favorite TV Show Is The Itchy & Scratchy Show
He’s obsessed with the violent cartoon cat-and-mouse duo.
27. He’s a Time Traveler
In the Treehouse of Horror episodes, Bart has traveled through time and even met his future self.
28. Bart Has a Phobia of Clowns
In one episode, Bart reveals he’s terrified of clowns, especially Krusty.
29. He’s a Business Owner
Bart once started his own company, Bart Boy Detectives, with Milhouse.
30. Bart’s Legacy Lives On
Bart Simpson has become a symbol of rebellion and mischief, inspiring countless memes, merchandise, and even academic studies.
Why Bart Simpson Still Matters Today
Bart Simpson isn’t just a cartoon character – he’s a cultural icon. His antics, catchphrases, and relatable struggles have made him a beloved figure for generations.
Whether he’s skateboarding through Springfield or writing on the chalkboard, Bart reminds us to embrace our inner rebel and never take life too seriously. So, the next time you hear “Eat my shorts!”, remember: Bart Simpson is more than just a troublemaker – he’s a legend.
Final Fun Fact: Bart’s voice, Nancy Cartwright, once said, “Bart is the eternal 10-year-old. He’s never going to grow up, and that’s part of his charm.”
Recommend reading: Weird Facts About Dragon Ball Z
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
