Krusty the Clown
Krusty the Clown | |
---|---|
The Simpsons character | |
First appearance | |
Created by | Matt Groening |
Designed by | Matt Groening |
Voiced by | Dan Castellaneta |
In-universe information | |
Full name | Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky |
Gender | Male |
Occupation | Television clown, entertainer, Congressman |
Family |
|
Spouse |
|
Significant others | Princess Penelope Owsley (ex-fiancée) |
Children | Jungle Boy (nephew) |
Religion | Judaism |
Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky (
Krusty was created by cartoonist Matt Groening and partially inspired by Rusty Nails, a television clown from Groening's hometown of Portland, Oregon. He was designed to look like Homer Simpson with clown makeup, with the original idea being that Bart worships a television clown who was actually his own father in disguise. His voice is based on Bob Bell, who portrayed WGN-TV's Bozo the Clown. Krusty made his television debut on January 15, 1989, in the Tracey Ullman Show short "The Krusty the Clown Show".
Role in The Simpsons
Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky was born in the
It was later revealed that Krusty did not have a
Krusty has his own show on Channel 6 in Springfield: The Krusty the Clown Show, which is aimed towards a children's audience and has many followers, including Bart Simpson.
Krusty seems to retire from—and then get back into—show business repeatedly throughout his career.[12] One of his retirements is almost made permanent due to just-paroled Sideshow Bob's latest scheme: wiring plastic explosives to a hypnotized Bart and sending Bart onstage. When Krusty makes a tribute to Bob, however, Bob has a change of heart and stops Bart from fulfilling his mission. Bob and Krusty later reconcile, with Krusty exclaiming that Bob's attempts at Krusty's life make his ratings shoot through the roof.[13] This reconciliation remains for the rest of the series, as Bob abandons his attempts for revenge on Krusty in favor of targeting Bart exclusively.
Bart Simpson is one of Krusty's biggest fans. In the episode "Krusty Gets Busted" he declares, "I've based my entire life on Krusty's teachings," and sleeps in a room filled with Krusty merchandise. He exposes Sideshow Bob's attempted framing, helps Krusty return to the air with a comeback special, reigniting his career,[7] and reunites Krusty with his estranged father.[4] For his part, Krusty is usually grateful for Bart's assistance, but almost immediately forgets about it — presumably due to his excessive drinking and drug habits as well as his general conceitedness — and usually does not even remember his name the next time they encounter each other.[4] One summer, Bart enthusiastically attends Kamp Krusty, largely because of the promise that he would get to spend his summer with Krusty. The camp turns out to be a disaster, with Krusty nowhere to be seen, as the camp is simply a franchise location to which Krusty has licensed his image. Bart keeps his hopes up by believing that Krusty will show up, but one day the camp director, Mr. Black, brings in Barney Gumble with clown makeup masquerading as Krusty. This pushes Bart over the edge. He decides that he is sick of Krusty's shoddy merchandise and takes over the camp. Krusty immediately visits the camp in hopes of ending the conflict and manages to appease Bart.[14][15]
Krusty is a
Krusty wastes money almost as fast as he earns it: lighting his
He is troubled. In the episode "22 Short Films About Springfield", for instance, Krusty boards a plane to go on vacation and is attempting to enjoy his ride, but one of the children from Springfield bothers him. Krusty asks the stewardess to move him to an area where other passengers don't bother him, only for him to be moved in an empty seat between Patty and Selma instead. This causes Krusty's enjoyment of his ride to go from bad to worse when Patty and Selma sing badly. The segment from the episode was originally included before its air date. It was, however, cut out for time, but the advertisement for the episode mentions the segment despite its absence.
Krusty is a hard-living entertainment veteran, sometimes depicted as a jaded, burned-out has-been, who has been down and out several times and remains addicted to
In "Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington", Bart convinces Krusty to run for Congress so that Krusty can introduce an airline rerouting bill and stop planes from flying over the Simpsons' house. Krusty agrees and runs on the Republican ticket. Although his campaign starts off badly, Lisa suggests that he try connecting with regular families. He does so, resulting in a landslide victory. Krusty's term starts off badly, as he is completely ignored by his new, more politically savvy colleagues. With the help of the Simpsons and an influential doorman, however, Krusty succeeds in passing his bill.[20]
His body features include a
In the episode
Characterization
Creation
Krusty first appeared in "The Krusty the Clown Show", one of the Simpsons shorts from The Tracey Ullman Show that first aired on January 15, 1989.[25] The character was partially inspired by TV clown "Rusty Nails" whom The Simpsons creator Matt Groening and director Brad Bird watched as children while growing up in Portland, Oregon.[26][27] Groening describes Rusty Nails as being a sweet clown whose show sometimes had a Christian message, but whose name scared Groening.[28] Dan Castellaneta based his voice characterization on Chicago television's Bob Bell who had a very raspy voice and portrayed WGN-TV's Bozo the Clown from 1960 to 1984.[29] Krusty has been compared to an earlier incarnation named "Flunky the Late Night viewer mail clown" who had appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. Jeff Martin, a writer on Letterman’s show, created and played the character. Martin also went on to become a writer on The Simpsons writing episodes that included Krusty.[30][31]
Many events in Krusty's life parallel those of comedian Jerry Lewis, including his Jewish background, addiction to Percodan, hosting of telethons,[32] and appearance in an adaptation of The Jazz Singer. When asked, Groening has simply noted that "[Simpsons] characters are collaborations between the writers, animators, and actors" without specifically confirming or denying the association.[33]
Krusty's appearance and design is essentially that of
The Krusty character was originally conceived as just a normal man wearing clown makeup, but David Silverman noted that "at some point, we decided he looked [like a clown] all the time".[29] The producers had long discussions about whether or not Krusty would always remain in his clown makeup but eventually decided that it did not matter.[5] The writers had tried showing Krusty's real face a few times in early episodes, but decided that it did not look right, although his real face was seen in "Krusty Gets Busted" and "Like Father, Like Clown". Later episodes made jokes about Krusty's face. In "Homer's Triple Bypass", Krusty reveals that his "grotesque appearance" is the result of multiple heart attacks. Homer remarks that he seems fine, and Krusty replies, "This ain't makeup." In "Bart the Fink", he abandons an idea to sail away with a new identity and swims towards shore, leaving a trail of yellow makeup in his wake and his natural white face underneath. On shore, he shakes off his black hair, revealing his natural green clown hair, and removes his normal-looking fake nose to reveal his natural red bulbous clown nose underneath.[36]
Development
The
Krusty's design has undergone several subtle changes since the early years. For the episode "Homie the Clown", Krusty's design was permanently enhanced and he was given a different shaped mouth muzzle and permanent bags under his eyes in order to distinguish him from Homer.[40] In the episode "Lisa's Wedding", which is set fifteen years in the future, Krusty's design was significantly altered to make him look considerably older and was based on Groucho Marx.[41]
Krusty is a favorite character of several of the original writers, many of whom related themselves to him and wanted to write the Krusty-focused episodes. Krusty was used as a chance for show business jokes. Thus, many of Krusty's experiences and anecdotes are based on real experiences and stories heard by the writers.[42] He was a particular favorite of Brad Bird, who directed the first two Krusty episodes and always tried to animate a scene in every Krusty episode.[37]
In 1992,
Prior to Groening's live-action pitch, Simpsons showrunners Al Jean and Mike Reiss planned an animated Krusty spin-off in which he would be a single father in New York City. Supporting characters would include a prickly make-up lady and a boss resembling Ted Turner. This unsuccessful pitch was later reworked into the animated series The Critic.[47]
Promotion and reception
Krusty has been included in many Simpsons publications, toys and other merchandise. Krusty-themed merchandise includes dolls, posters, figurines, Jack-in-the-boxes, Pint glasses, bobblehead dolls, costumes, and clothing such as T-shirts.[48] Playmates Toys has made a talking evil Krusty doll, based on the one that appeared in "Treehouse of Horror III".[49] In 1992, Acclaim Entertainment released the video game Krusty's Fun House for PC and home consoles. Krusty was made into an action figure, and several different versions were included as part of the World of Springfield toy line. The first, which shows Krusty in his normal clown attire with several Krusty products, was released in 2000 as part of "wave one".[50] The second, released in 2002 as part of "wave nine", is called "busted Krusty" and shows him in a prison and without his clown makeup, as he was seen in "Krusty Gets Busted".[51] The third was released in 2003 as part of "wave thirteen" and was called "Tuxedo Krusty".[52] Several Krusty themed play sets were also released, including a Krusty-Lu Studios[53] and Krusty Burger playset, both released in 2001.[54] Krusty appears as a playable character in the toys-to-life video game Lego Dimensions, released via a "Fun Pack" packaged with a Clown Bike accessory in November 2015. In game, his only ability is being able to spray water and all his voice lines are archive audio from Dan Castellaneta.[55]
In
In 2004,
In 2015, The A.V. Club stated that Krusty has "arguably the most pathos of any Simpsons character not named Moe Szyslak".[67] In 2021, Meghan Markle reflected on her old memorable haircut being compared to Krusty the Clown at The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[68]
References
- ^ "Krusty Gets Kancelled". simpsonsarchive.com.
- ^ "Krusty the Clown (Character) from "The Simpsons" (1989)". IMDb. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
- ^ a b Cohen, Joel H.; Kruse, Nancy (December 7, 2003). "Today I Am a Clown". The Simpsons. Season 15. Episode 6. Fox.
- ^ a b c Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad; Lynch, Jeffrey (October 4, 1991). "Like Father, Like Clown". The Simpsons. Season 3. Episode 6. Fox.
- ^ a b c d Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad (April 29, 1990). "Krusty Gets Busted". The Simpsons. Season 1. Episode 12. Fox.
- ^ Frink, John; Payne, Don; Anderson, Bob (November 12, 2000). "Insane Clown Poppy". The Simpsons. Season 12. Episode 03. Fox.
- ^ a b c Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David (May 13, 1993). "Krusty Gets Kancelled". The Simpsons. Season 04. Episode 22. Fox.
- ^ Cohen, Joel H; Anderson, Bob (December 8, 2013). "Yellow Subterfuge". The Simpsons. Season 25. Episode 07. Fox.
- ^ McGrath, Dan; Reardon, Jim (October 4, 1994). "Bart of Darkness". The Simpsons. Season 06. Episode 01. Fox.
- ^ Mula, Frank; Archer, Wes (February 11, 1993). "I Love Lisa". The Simpsons. Season 04. Episode 15. Fox.
- ^ Swartzwelder, John; Reardon, Jim (December 20, 1990). "Itchy & Scratchy & Marge". The Simpsons. Season 02. Episode 09. Fox.
- ^ Michelle, Kara (September 27, 2014). "The Simpsons News: A Character Dies and Krusty the Clown Retires, Again". JubileeCast. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Jean, Al; Marcantel, Michael (February 18, 2001). "Day of the Jackanapes". The Simpsons. Season 12. Episode 13. Fox.
- ^ a b Stern, David M.; Kirkland, Mark (September 24, 1992). "Kamp Krusty". The Simpsons. Season 04. Episode 01. Fox.
- ^ Turner 2004, pp. 128–129.
- ^ a b c Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David (February 12, 1995). "Homie the Clown". The Simpsons. Season 06. Episode 15. Fox.
- ^ Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Sternin, Joshua; Ventimilia, Jeffrey; Moore, Steven Dean (April 30, 1995). "'Round Springfield". The Simpsons. Season 06. Episode 22. Fox.
- ^ Martin, Jeff; Kirkland, Mark (December 3, 1992). "Lisa's First Word". The Simpsons. Season 04. Episode 10. Fox.
- ^ Greaney, Dan; Grazier, Allen; Moore, Steven Dean (March 30, 2003). "'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky". The Simpsons. Season 14. Episode 14. Fox.
- ^ a b Swartzwelder, John; Kramer, Lance (March 9, 2003). "Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington". The Simpsons. Season 14. Episode 14. Fox.
- ^ a b Turner 2004, pp. 392–394.
- ^ Stern, David M.; Kirkland, Mark (February 11, 1996). "Bart the Fink". The Simpsons. Season 07. Episode 15. Fox.
- ^ Oakley, Bill (2002). Commentary for the episode "Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming". The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Adams, Chelsey (June 24, 2021). "The Simpsons: Every Main Character & How Old They'd Be If They Aged In Real Time". CBR. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ Richmond & Coffman 1997, p. 15.
- ^ a b Groening, Matt (October 23, 2003). "Fresh Air" (Interview). Interviewed by Terry Gross. Philadelphia: NPR. Retrieved June 9, 2007.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (July 29, 2015). "James Allen, TV Personality Who Inspired Krusty the Clown on 'The Simpsons,' Dies at 87". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Groening, Matt; Bird, Brad; Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace (2001). Commentary for the episode 'Krusty Gets Busted'. The Simpsons: The Complete First Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b Rhodes, Joe (October 21, 2000). "Flash! 24 Simpsons Stars Reveal Themselves". TV Guide.
- ^ Zinoman, Jason (February 22, 2016). "The Tears (and Fears) of a Clown". The New York Times.
- ^ Hoffman, Ken (May 18, 2015). "Houstonian was the man behind Letterman's Flunky the Clown". HoustonChronicle.com.
- ^ Brian, Greg (July 30, 2007). "The Anatomy of Krusty the Clown (or Who or What Inspired the Famous "Simpsons" Clown...and Why Clowns Get a Bad Rap)" (Interview). Yahoo!. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
- ^ "Matt Groening" (Interview). Interviewed by Nathan Rabin. The A.V. Club. April 26, 2006. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
- ^ Carroll, Larry (July 26, 2007). "'Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers". MTV. Archived from the original on December 20, 2007. Retrieved July 29, 2007.
- ^ "Talking about The Simpsons". Entertainment Weekly. July 20, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Carrington, Michael; Silverman, David (2004). Commentary for the episode "Homer's Triple Bypass". The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ a b Groening, Matt; Bird, Brad; Kogen, Jay; Wolodarski, Wallace; Jean, Al; Castellaneta, Dan; Kavner, Jean (2003). Commentary for the episode "Like Father, Like Clown". The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ "Primetime Emmy Awards Advanced Search". Emmys.org. Archived from the original on March 30, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ Jean, Al (2002). Commentary for the episode 'Itchy & Scratchy & Marge'. The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Groening, Matt; Mirkin, David; Silverman, David; Kirkland, Mark (2005). Commentary for the episode 'Homie the Clown'. The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Daniels, Greg (2005). The Simpsons season 6 DVD commentary for the episode 'Lisa's Wedding' (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Silverman, David (2004). Commentary for the episode 'Krusty Gets Kancelled'. The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Mangels, Andy (January 1993). "Hollywood Heroes". Wizard (17). Wizard Entertainment: 34.
- ^ Russell, Bradley (April 27, 2021). "The Simpsons originally planned to film a live-action Krusty the Clown spinoff". Gamesradar.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Richards, Olly (May 24, 2007). ".Life in Development Hell". Empire. p. 76.
- ^ Snierson, Dan (April 15, 1999). "Send in the Clown". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 9, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
- ISBN 978-0-06-274803-4.
- ^ "Search Results for Krusty". The Simpsons Shop. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ "Simpsons Evil Krusty the Clown doll". Amazon. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty the Clown". Simpsons Collectors. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty the Clown, Busted Krusty". Simpsons Collectors. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty the Clown, Tuxedo Krusty". Simpsons Collectors. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty-Lu Studios". Simpsons Collectors. Retrieved October 27, 2007.
- ^ "Krusty Burger". Simpsons Collectors. Retrieved October 27, 2007.
- ^ Robertson, Andy (November 3, 2015). "'Lego Dimensions' Wave 2 Adds Doctor Who World And Hire-able Minifigures". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
- Universal Studios Orlando. Archived from the originalon February 3, 2008. Retrieved February 16, 2008.
- ^ "SDCC 07: The Simpsons Panel". IGN. July 29, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ Josef Adalian (April 5, 2008). "Universal launches 'Simpsons' ride". Variety. Retrieved April 23, 2007.
- ^ "7-Eleven Becomes Kwik-E-Mart for 'Simpsons Movie' Promotion". Associated Press. July 1, 2007. Archived from the original on July 4, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty the Clown, your key fashion influence for AW15 – stylewatch". The Guardian. September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Michael Schneider (August 10, 2004). "Emmy speaks for Homer". Variety. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
- ^ John Ortved (July 5, 2007). "Springfield's Best". Vanity Fair. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ Dan Snierson (January 14, 2000). "Springfield of Dreams". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
- ^ Groening, Matt (2003). Commentary for the episode 'Treehouse of Horror II'. The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Jeff Hidek. "400 reasons we love 'The Simpsons'". Star News Online. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ Euan Ferguson (April 20, 2003). "300 reasons why we love The Simpsons". The Guardian. London. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
- ^ "Krusty The Clown tries and fails to stick it to the man". The A.V. Club. October 11, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Meghan Markle jokes about her 'Krusty the Clown' haircut". The Independent. November 19, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- Bibliography
External links