Top 10 Celeb Impressions Done On The Simpsons
#10: Fred Rogers
Various Fred Rogers was known for being warm and compassionate both on and off-screen. So, obviously, his “Simpsons” caricature is anything but. In his two appearances, the children’s TV host is portrayed as profane and belligerent. In one episode, he and other members of the PBS family chase after Homer after he makes a fake donation pledge. In another, Bart and Milhouse watch a bootleg video of him drunk and complaining that he can’t take his sweater off. Making a wholesome figure into such an unpleasant one is definitely an easy comedy tactic, but we can’t help but laugh at all these gags.
#9: Madonna
“The Regina Monologues” Plenty of famous musicians have voiced themselves on “The Simpsons,” but Madonna is not one of them. And after this gag, we’d be surprised if she did appear. During a trip to England, Homer is arrested for crashing into the Queen’s carriage. However, he is exonerated under one condition: that he return Madonna back to the States. The Queen of Pop isn’t seen but only heard, stuffed inside a duffle bag and is insisting on her English heritage. While married to director Guy Ritchie, the pop icon picked up a British accent, which she later expressed embarrassment about. This joke may be of its time, but it’s still worth a laugh.
#8: Al Gore
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Various Today, Al Gore is known for his passionate environmental advocacy. But in the 90s, he was known mainly for being Vice President and for being boring. “The Simpsons” beautifully spoofed the VP’s dull public persona in multiple gags. In one, Lisa purchases one of his books, marking his first sale. How does he celebrate? By playing Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” and sitting perfectly still. In another, Martin buys a talking Al Gore doll with a less-than-inspiring catchphrase. “You are hearing me talk.” Gore has poked fun at himself numerous times on shows like “Futurama,” “30 Rock,” and “Saturday Night Live.” So, we imagine he’d also be tickled by these “Simpsons” sendups.
#7: George Burns
“Rosebud” George Burns had one of the most remarkable careers in entertainment, staying active into his 90s. Known for trademarks like his glasses and cigar, the late comedian was easy to caricature. In one episode, Burns is briefly spoofed as a child singing “My Old Kentucky Home.” The young Burns is also aware of his future, elderly fame. Oh, and in the series, he’s canonically the younger brother of ruthless power plant owner Mr. Burns. Although his joke is poking some fun at Burns and his persona, it’s also got a lot of love for the legend.
#6: Lucille Ball
“Little Big Mom” Another legendary comedian that was skewered on “The Simpsons” is Lucille Ball. When Lisa is left in charge of the house, Homer and Bart test her patience past its breaking point. She’s visited by the ghost of Ball, who introduces herself with one convoluted name and gives Lisa a plan to get back at them. The red-headed Ball is depicted as a gravelly-voiced chain-smoker, an exaggeration of Ball’s own deep tone. While the real Lucille Ball died the year “The Simpsons” premiered, it’s always fun to see one comedy legend pay tribute to another one.
#5: George H. W. Bush
“Two Bad Neighbors” Early in its run, “The Simpsons” drew flack for not depicting a 100 percent wholesome family. Among these critics was President George H. W. Bush, who negatively compared them to another TV family, “The Waltons.” “The Simpsons” got back at the former president in the episode “Two Bad Neighbors.” George and Barbara move across the street from the Simpsons, and the elder Bush butts heads with both Bart and Homer, leading to a brawl. The episode is more about poking fun at Bush’s out-of-touch image than it is about criticizing his policies. And even if it’s an impression, there’s something beautiful about hearing George H. W. Bush and Homer Simpson have a conversation.
#4: Morrissey
“Panic on the Streets of Springfield” Technically, Morrissey wasn’t actually depicted on “The Simpsons.” But it’s still clear who this character is supposed to be. Lisa becomes infatuated with a sensitive singer named Quilloughby, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, who also advocates against eating meat. However, she sees him perform live and finds out he’s a bigoted hypocrite, as does her imaginary friend, his past self. The famously prickly Smiths frontman didn't take this mockery in good humor and suggested he would take the showrunners to court if he could. They’re probably just glad they changed his name to be legally distinguishable.
#3: John Travolta
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“Itchy & Scratchy Land” John Travolta rose to fame in the 70s thanks to his charismatic work in films like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” But the late 80s and early 90s weren’t as fruitful for the actor, and it seemed like he might be relegated to “Look Who’s Talking” movies or worse. So, “The Simpsons’ figured they were safe to poke some fun at the fading star. At a 70s-themed club at Itchy & Scratchy Land, Marge comments on the bartender’s resemblance to Travolta, which he doesn’t entirely deny. Less than two weeks after this episode aired, a new movie starring Travolta opened. Its name? “Pulp Fiction.” Talk about unfortunate timing for an otherwise funny joke. Within the show, he goes from bartending to owning a plane.
#2: Arnold Schwarzenegger
“The Simpsons Movie” (2007) The highest level of office obtained by actor/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger is governor of California. But “The Simpsons” imagined a world where he’s in charge of the country. In “The Simpsons Movie,” we meet President Schwarzenegger, who’s as muscle-bound and heavily accented as his real-world counterpart, and who doesn’t exactly lead with his brain. The strangest thing about this is that the show already had a Schwarzenegger character, action star Rainier Wolfcastle, who looks just like Schwarzenegger, only with different hair. We imagine this change was made to appeal to moviegoers not familiar with the show’s supporting cast.
#1: Bill Clinton
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Various President Clinton was a comedy writer’s dream, and “The Simpsons” made sure to get in on the action. Clinton has made numerous appearances on the show, both during his presidency and after. In various episodes, he’s been portrayed as lazy, sex-obsessed, and overall just an ineffective leader. Among the actors who voiced Clinton is Phil Hartman, who famously played him on “Saturday Night Live.” It’s unclear how much of this was meant as an actual critique of Clinton and how much of it was just riffing on his public image on the whole. But in a world with characters as broad as Bumblebee Man and Disco Stu, an exaggerated version of Bill Clinton fits right in.
