From your debut On television in 1989, the Simpsons They became a cultural phenomenon that transcended generations. The series not only redefined the animated comedy, but also influenced the language of society. Behind this success is Matt Groeninga creative who, with his ingenuity and sarcasm, forever changed the history of animation.
This February 15Groening meets 71 yearsand to celebrate it, we review the most curious data of your life. From its unexpected connection with Argentina to its beginnings as an Underground cartoonist, here we tell you the secrets behind the man who created the most famous yellow family in the world.
Curious data about Matt Groening
His wife is Argentina and has a big family
One of the least known aspects of Matt Groening It is your relationship with Argentina. In 2007, the creator of The Simpsons met the plastic artist Agustina Picassowith whom he formed a large family. Together they had Seven childrenand Groening also adopted the daughter she had in an earlier relationship.
His love for Argentina is not only reflected in his personal life, but also in his connection with the art and culture of the country. The family has visited the South American country several times, and Groening has shown interest in local artistic talent.
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His characters have names of their own family
When Groening had to quickly devise the names for the characters of the Simpsons, he turned to his own family. Homer, Marge, Lisa and Maggie They are not just fictitious names, but those of their Father, mother and sisters.
The only one who does not bear a real name is Bartwho was originally called as him, but Groening decided to change it for a Brat (Mocosa in English) to better represent your mischievous personality.
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Before being famous, he did all kinds of jobs
Before revolutionizing television with The SimpsonsGroening had to survive in Los Angeleswhere he worked in a Pizzería, washing dishes in an elderly home and even cutting the grass. He also tried to make way in the world of journalism, but his provocative style led him to be rejected several times.
One of his first successes was the comic strip Life in Hella satire about the daily life that was published in more than 250 newspapers. It was this work that caught the attention of James L. Brooksthe producer who would lead him to stardom.
He refused to sell his first creation to Hollywood
When James L. Brooks proposed to Groening to adapt his comic strip Life in Hell To television, the cartoonist feared losing the rights of his work. To avoid this, he improvised at the time the story of a dysfunctional family, giving rise to The Simpsons.
The change turned out to be one of the best decisions of his career, since the series not only became an immediate success, but gave him total creative freedom to develop his satirical humor without interference from studies.
The iconic yellow skin of the Simpsons was an accident
The characters of The Simpsons Yellow were not born. In the first sketches, they were white and black, but when the animation team decided to add color, a technical error returned them bright yellow. Instead of correcting it, Groening and his team found that the color was Perfect to make the series visually unique.
This decision was key for the series to stand out on television, since the characters were easily recognizable with just a look.
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He is a music fan and plays in a band
Groening is a great lover of rock music and has worked with several bands throughout his career. In fact, he is a member of a band called The Rock Bottom Remaindersin which the battery touches and is known under the pseudonym Cowbell Player.
His love for music is also reflected in The Simpsonswhere he has made legends like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2 and Metallica They appear in the series.
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Has a unique vision of success
Despite being one of the most influential creators on television, Groening is not considered a genius or a great artist. In several interviews he has said that his success is because it is “A mediocre cartoonist and an average writer”but that the combination of both skills led him to create something unique.
This modest approach is part of what has made it such a beloved figure in the industry, since its self -critical humor is reflected both in their interviews and in their creations.
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He was honored as one of the most important TV creators
The impact of The Simpsons In popular culture it is undeniable. In 1999the magazine Time appointed the series as “The best program of the twentieth century”and in 2016Groening received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition, their influence on television has been recognized by critics and creators from all over the world, who see in The Simpsons A must for comedy and animation.
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Throughout his life, Matt Groening GIVENATIVITY AND PERSEVERANCE. With a series that remains in force after more than 30 years and 700 episodeshis legacy on television is undeniable.
Source: Ambito
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. I started working as a news reporter for 24 Hours World about two years ago, and I’ve been writing articles ever since. My main focus is automotive news, but I’ve also written about politics, lifestyle, and entertainment.
