Homer Jay Simpson was created in 1986 by Matt Groening as a character on an animated short for The Tracey Ullman Show. FOX picked up The Simpsons in 1989 and Homer Simpson became a household name. This blundering, crazy father is an icon of animated television. This year, the Simpsons are celebrating their 20^th anniversary on primetime TV. That’s saying a lot when you look at the lifespan of most thirty minute sitcoms.

Homer is the oafish father of the Simpson clan. With his wife Marge at his side, Homer does his best to provide for his son Bart, daughter Lisa and baby Maggie. Homer is an incompetent employee of the local nuclear power plant and loves to hang out with his buddies.

Despite his seemly boring existence, Homer continually surprises audiences with his incredible ability to screw things up.

Homer was originally drawn with creator Matt Groening’s initials in the character. The hairline above the ear is an “M” and the ear itself was a “G”. The “M” still remains however; the “G” has been replaced with a more recognizable ear.

If The Simpsons were taken off the air today, Homer would have still made a larger mark on society than most real life actors. Homer’s catch phrase, “D’oh,” has been included in the Oxford and Webster dictionaries. The show has inspired numerous video games, a feature film, an amusement park ride, and countless other memorabilia. Homer Simpson house slippers still remain as best selling character slippers for adults.

Dan Castellaneta is the voice behind the big guy. He has won four Primetime Emmys Awards and a special achievement Annie Award for voicing Homer. The entire Simpson family was given a star on the Walk of Fame in 2000.

Homer Simpson has seen a lot in his 29 years on TV, from Maggie’s first words to alien invasions. He always comes back for more. No matter what fame befalls Homer, he will always be the same blundering idiot we all know and love. May he always fall asleep at work and strangle Bart on occasion.