Bart Simpson Basic Information

Bart Simpson's mischievous look with his spiky blonde hair and skateboard

Bart Simpson's iconic rebellious attitude and skateboard skills

Also known as:
El BartoBartmanThe Boy

Creation Info

First Appearance

April 19, 1987 ('Good Night' short on The Tracey Ullman Show)

Creator

Matt Groening

Series

The Simpsons

Copyright

20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) / Disney

Identity

Species

Human

Gender

Male

Age

10

Birthday

April 1 (often cited, though sometimes debated)

Occupation

Student at Springfield Elementary School (4th Grade)

Bart Simpson's Appearance

Physical Features

Height

Average for a 10-year-old

Body Type

Slim

Color Scheme

Yellow skin, spiky blonde hair.

Signature Style

Outfit

Red/orange t-shirt, blue shorts, blue and white sneakers.

Catchphrase

Eat my shorts!¡Ay, caramba!Don't have a cow, man!

Accessories

Skateboard, Slingshot (sometimes)

Character Background

Origin Story

Bart was conceived by creator Matt Groening as part of a dysfunctional family for animated shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. His name is an anagram of 'brat'. He lives in the fictional town of Springfield.

Character Timeline

1987

First Appearance

Debuted alongside his family in the 'Good Night' short.

1989

Series Premiere

The Simpsons premieres as a half-hour series, with Bart initially positioned as the main protagonist.

1990

Bartmania

Bart's popularity explodes into a cultural phenomenon known as 'Bartmania', spawning merchandise and controversy over his rebellious attitude.

Bart Simpson's Personality

Personality Traits

  • Mischievous / Prankster
  • Rebellious
  • Disrespectful towards authority
  • Underachiever (academically)
  • Street-smart / Clever (in his own way)
  • Loyal (to friends like Milhouse)
  • Occasionally shows compassion and integrity
  • Attention-seeking
  • Energetic

Strengths

  • Street smarts
  • Skateboarding skills
  • Creativity (in pranks)
  • Resilience
  • Can be surprisingly resourceful

Weaknesses

  • Poor academic performance
  • Impulsive
  • Disrespectful attitude often leads to trouble
  • Easily bored

Goals

  • To have fun / avoid boredom
  • To pull off pranks
  • To defy authority
  • To be cool

Fears

  • Getting caught by Principal Skinner or Chief Wiggum
  • Homer's strangling
  • Disappointing Marge (sometimes)

Bart Simpson's Gallery

Bart Simpson's Abilities

Special Powers

  • None (though possesses surprising resilience to cartoon violence)

Skills

  • Skateboarding
  • Prank-calling
  • Slingshot proficiency
  • Graffiti art ('El Barto')
  • Escaping detention
  • Thinking quickly to get out of trouble

Bart Simpson's Relationships

Family Members

Homer Simpson
Father (often strangles Bart)
Marge Simpson
Mother (often disapproves but loves him)
Lisa Simpson
Younger Sister (intelligent, often annoyed by Bart but shares sibling bond)
Maggie Simpson
Youngest Sister (infant)
Abraham 'Grampa' Simpson
Paternal Grandfather

Friends

Milhouse Van Houten
Best Friend / Sidekick

Awards & Recognition

  • The Simpsons series has won numerous Emmy Awards and other accolades.

Cultural Influence

Pop Culture Impact

Bart Simpson was a massive cultural icon in the early 1990s ('Bartmania'). His rebellious attitude and catchphrases permeated popular culture, appearing on countless merchandise items. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 most important people of the 20th century.

Social Impact

Bart's character sparked controversy among educators and parents for his disrespect towards authority and pride in underachieving, leading to debates about television's influence on children. He remains a symbol of youthful rebellion.

Video Content

Featured Videos

The Simpsons (TV Series)
The Simpsons Movie
various video games and shorts