Worst. Interview. Ever. Okay, not really, at all. In fact, as someone who’s grown up with The Simpsons and quotes the show regularly, interviewing Simpsons’ Executive Produce Al Jean was something of a dream come true. Jean has been with The Simpsons since the very beginning, going from writer to show runner to Executive Producer, making him a virtual Simpsons’ encyclopedia.

The day after The Simpsons‘ won their 25th Emmy, Jean and I chatted about the show’s 20th season, if he thinks the never-aging characters grow, and his favorite episode, character and Simpsons catch phrase.



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Morgan Spurlock, producer and director of “The Simpsons” 20th Anniversary Special - In 3-D! On Ice, is calling all fans of the animated series to try out sharing screen with Homer and his dysfunctional family. There will be an open casting call to find real-life people who sound or look like any of the characters living in Springfield.

The golden opportunity will arrive during the show’s panel at the upcoming San Diego Comic Con this Saturday, July 25. The audition is held starting from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. at The San Diego Ballroom, in the Marriot Hotel and Marina which is located next to Comic Con’s venue.

“We want to give something back to the fans since the only reason the show is still on the air is because of them,” Spurlock announced. “If somebody dresses up like a character or performs their favorite bit from the show, that would get attention. The person we want is somebody who basically lives and breathes this show.”

More about the casting call, including how if one cannot make it to the audition, is available on the video below.

To preserve Michael Jackson’s legacy, FOX is planning to air “The Simpsons” episode where the King of Pop contributed a voice. On Sunday, July 5 at 8/7c, the network will re-run “Stark Raving Dad“, the first episode of season 3 that originally aired in September 1991.

Michael voiced the character of Leon Kompowsky, an overweight brick-layer whom Homer met during his stint at Mental Institution. Leon made Homer believe that he was Michael Jackson. Not recognizing the famous name, Homer brought Leon home to Springfield where many had anticipated the arrival of the star.

Michael was not credited when the episode was first aired because due to contractual reasons, he has to use the pseudonym of John Jay Smith. There is a time where Leon sings, but the singing voice was provided by impressionist Kipp Lennon.

However, Michael’s contribution is beyond just making a guest voice on the show. He also composed the song “Do the Bartman” which was performed by Bart’s voice Nancy Cartwright. The song appeared on The Simpsons’ 1990 album “The Simpsons Sing the Blues” but again, Michael was not credited because he was under contract with another label.

“It was always amazing to me that no one ever found out that Michael Jackson wrote that song,” creator Matt Groening said in 1998. “He was a big fan of the show.”

A sneak peek of “Stark Raving Dad”:



“Do the Bartman”:

One family that also celebrates the Earth Day is “The Simpsons“. In a bunch of promo, in line with FOX’s “Green It. Mean It.” campaign, Homer does some precautions to save the earth, including changing the light bulbs to the energy-saving ones. But true to Homer’s nature, he burns in open air the old ones.

The dysfunctional family also made reference to former U.S vice president, Al Gore, who has been keen on saving the planet with his campaigns. In “Green Tip: Heating Tip”, Marge complains that Homer did not pay the heating bill and Homer said, “It’s that Global Warming we take care of it. Al Gore can’t do anything.”

“The Simpsons” airs ever Sundays at 8/7c on FOX. This week in “Father Knows Worst”, Bart and Lisa start struggling in their academic and social lives at school and Homer starts monitoring them and forcing them to do better. Meanwhile, Marge discovers a sauna in the basement.

Earth Day



Light Bulbs



Heating Tip



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