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 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
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 read: Weird Facts About Dragon Ball Z
Sources:
Certainly! If you’re interested in diving deeper into the world of The Simpsons, animation, or pop culture, there are several courses and resources available that can provide valuable insights. Here are some recommendations:
Certainly! If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of The Simpsons, there are plenty of reputable sources to explore. Here’s a curated list of books, documentaries, websites, and academic resources that provide fascinating insights into the show’s history, impact, and behind-the-scenes stories:
1. Books About The Simpsons
- “The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History” by John Ortved
This book offers a detailed look at the creation of The Simpsons, including interviews with key players and behind-the-scenes drama. - “The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets” by Simon Singh
A fascinating exploration of the hidden math jokes and references in The Simpsons, written by a physicist and science communicator. - “Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation” by Chris Turner
This book examines the cultural impact of The Simpsons and how it shaped a generation. - “The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family” by Matt Groening, Ray Richmond, and Antonia Coffman
An official episode guide with commentary, trivia, and fun facts about every episode up to Season 8.
2. Documentaries and Behind-the-Scenes Content
- “The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!” (2007)
This documentary celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons with interviews, clips, and a look at the show’s cultural impact. - “The Simpsons Movie: Extra Features” (2007)
The DVD and Blu-ray releases of The Simpsons Movie include behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of the film and the show. - “The Simpsons: America’s First Family” (BBC Documentary)
This documentary explores the history and influence of The Simpsons on American culture.
3. Official Websites and Resources
- The Simpsons Official Website: https://www.simpsonsworld.com
The official site for The Simpsons, featuring episode guides, character bios, and exclusive content. - FOX’s The Simpsons Page: https://www.fox.com/the-simpsons
The network’s official page for the show, with news, clips, and updates.
4. Fan Communities and Wikis
- The Simpsons Wiki: https://simpsons.fandom.com
A comprehensive fan-run wiki with detailed information about episodes, characters, and trivia. - Reddit (r/TheSimpsons): https://www.reddit.com/r/TheSimpsons
A vibrant community of fans discussing episodes, theories, and news about the show.
5. Academic and Pop Culture Analysis
- “Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture” edited by John Alberti
A collection of essays analyzing The Simpsons as a cultural and political phenomenon. - “The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D’oh! of Homer” edited by William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, and Aeon J. Skoble
This book explores philosophical themes in The Simpsons, such as morality, ethics, and existentialism. - “Satire and Dissent: Interventions in Contemporary Political Debate” by Amber Day
This book includes a chapter on The Simpsons and its role in political satire.
6. Interviews and Articles
- Interviews with Matt Groening
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, has given numerous interviews over the years. Look for his interviews in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian. - “How The Simpsons Changed Television” (The Atlantic)
This article explores the show’s impact on the TV industry and its lasting legacy.
https://www.theatlantic.com - “The Simpsons at 30: How It Changed Television” (BBC)
A retrospective on the show’s 30th anniversary and its influence on pop culture.
https://www.bbc.com
7. YouTube Channels and Videos
- “The Evolution of The Simpsons” (YouTube)
This video explores the history and evolution of the show, from its early days to its current status as a cultural icon. - “The Simpsons Predictions: Real or Coincidence?” (YouTube)
A popular video series examining the show’s alleged predictions of real-world events. - “The Simpsons: Behind the Laughter” (YouTube)
A fan-made documentary about the making of The Simpsons and its impact on animation.
8. Podcasts
- “Everything’s Coming Up Simpsons”
A podcast dedicated to exploring every episode of The Simpsons, with behind-the-scenes stories and trivia.
https://www.earwolf.com - “The Simpsons Show Podcast”
A fan podcast discussing episodes, characters, and the show’s cultural impact.
https://www.simpsonshowpodcast.com
9. Merchandise and Collectibles
- The Simpsons Store: https://www.simpsonsstore.com
The official store for The Simpsons merchandise, including clothing, toys, and collectibles. - “The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Treasury”
A collection of the best Treehouse of Horror comics, perfect for fans of the show’s spooky side.
10. Social Media
- The Simpsons on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons
The official Twitter account for The Simpsons, featuring news, memes, and updates. - The Simpsons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimpsons
The official Instagram account, with behind-the-scenes photos and fan art.
By exploring these sources, you can gain a deeper appreciation for The Simpsons and its impact on television, pop culture, and society. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone!
Final Tip: Many of these resources are free or easily accessible online, so you can start exploring right
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.
