Was Danny DeVito In The Simpsons? Unpacking A Beloved Guest Star's Return

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the famous voices behind your favorite animated characters, especially on a show as iconic as The Simpsons? It's a pretty common thought, isn't it? For many fans, the idea of a big-name celebrity lending their voice to Springfield's quirky residents is always a fun surprise. And when it comes to legendary actors, one name often pops up in discussions about the show's past guest stars: Danny DeVito.

So, the question naturally arises: was Danny DeVito in The Simpsons? And if he was, who did he play? Well, it's actually a fascinating story that goes back quite a ways. His involvement with the show isn't just a fleeting cameo; it's a connection that runs a bit deeper than you might first imagine, especially for Homer Simpson himself.

This isn't just about a one-off appearance, either. Danny DeVito's character has a pretty significant tie to the Simpson family, and you know, he's even set to make a comeback. It's really quite something to think about how long these characters can stick around and still be relevant to new storylines, isn't it?

Table of Contents

Danny DeVito: A Brief Look at the Actor

Danny DeVito, you know, is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He's been around for a good long while, making people laugh and, well, sometimes directing some really interesting films. Born on November 17, 1944, he's had a pretty extensive career across Hollywood.

In movies, Danny DeVito is known mainly for his comedy roles. Think about films like "War of the Roses," which he also directed, or "Twins," where he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's got a knack for those kinds of parts, you know, the ones that stick with you because they're just so funny. He's also a producer and screenwriter, so his talents really span a lot of areas in the entertainment business.

So, it's not surprising that someone with his kind of comedic timing and distinct voice would eventually find his way into the world of The Simpsons. It's almost, like, a natural fit for a show that prides itself on guest stars who bring something truly special to the characters they play. He's really quite a versatile performer, that's for sure.

Personal Details and Bio Data

DetailInformation
Full NameDaniel Michael DeVito, Jr.
BornNovember 17, 1944
NationalityAmerican
OccupationsActor, Comedian, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Known For (Movies)Comedy roles in films like "War of the Roses" (also directed), "Twins"
The Simpsons RoleVoice of Herb Powell

The First Appearance: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Danny DeVito's first time guest starring on The Simpsons was way back in 1991. The episode was titled "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" and it aired on February 21, 1991, as part of the show's second season. It was written by Jeff Martin and directed by Wes Archer, and it's a pretty memorable one for fans, you know, because of the character he played.

This particular episode introduced a character who would become surprisingly significant to Homer Simpson's family tree. It's actually kind of wild how they just dropped this new relative into the mix. Danny DeVito lent his distinctive voice to this character, making him instantly recognizable and, well, pretty endearing despite the circumstances.

The story of "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" is, in a way, a classic Simpsons tale of Homer's antics leading to unforeseen consequences. It really set the stage for how this new character would interact with the family, and it wasn't always smooth sailing, that's for sure. The episode is often remembered for its emotional beats alongside its humor, which is something The Simpsons does so well.

Herb Powell: Homer's Long-Lost Half-Brother

So, the character Danny DeVito voiced was Herb Powell. And get this: Herb is Homer's half-brother, a sibling he never even knew he had. This revelation came about when Homer's father, Abe Simpson, confessed to having had another son before marrying Homer's mother. It's a bit of a bombshell for the family, isn't it?

Herb, in stark contrast to Homer, was a successful, wealthy, and very intelligent car company executive. He was, like, the embodiment of the American dream, living a life of luxury and innovation. He owned a company called Powell Motors, and he was genuinely excited to meet his long-lost brother. You could say he had high hopes for their reunion, which is kind of sweet.

However, Homer, in his typical fashion, managed to, well, completely mess things up for Herb. When given the chance to design a car for Herb's company, Homer came up with an "overpriced monstrosity." This disastrous design actually bankrupted Herb's company, leading to him losing everything. It was a pretty harsh outcome for a character who, you know, seemed to have it all just moments before meeting Homer. This episode really highlighted the stark differences between the two brothers, and how Homer's lack of, shall we say, business acumen, could have devastating real-world effects.

The Return of Herb in Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?

Despite the rather unfortunate circumstances of their first meeting, Herb Powell did return to The Simpsons. His second appearance was in the season three episode "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?", which aired on February 21, 1992. This episode was written by John Swartzwelder and directed by Rich Moore, and it gave fans another chance to see Danny DeVito as Herb.

In this episode, Herb was, understandably, down on his luck after Homer's car design ruined his business. He was, like, pretty much homeless and had lost everything. But, you know, in a twist of fate, Homer actually won a prize from a contest and decided to give the money to Herb. This was Homer's way of trying to make amends for the disaster he caused.

With the money, Herb was able to develop a new invention: a baby translator. This invention turned out to be a massive success, making him rich again. It was a nice bit of redemption for Herb, and it showed that, even after everything, the brothers still had some kind of bond, however complicated it might be. Joe Frazier even made a cameo as himself in this episode, which was a fun addition, too.

A Beloved Character: Underused Potential?

For many fans of The Simpsons, Herb Powell is a really beloved character, even if he only appeared twice initially. Danny DeVito's performance gave him a unique charm, making him stand out amongst the show's many guest stars. He was, in a way, a mirror to Homer, showing what Homer could have been if he'd had a different upbringing or, you know, just made different choices.

Some fans have felt that The Simpsons underused the rich storytelling possibilities with this character. Having Homer's half-brother, a successful and intelligent man who Homer accidentally ruined, really opens up a lot of avenues for drama, comedy, and even some emotional moments. The dynamic between them is just so ripe for exploration, isn't it?

He's a Simpson family member with big ties, and yet, for many years, he hadn't been seen on the show. This long absence, despite his compelling backstory, left many wondering if we'd ever see Herb again. It's a testament to the character's impact that people still thought about him after all that time, you know, hoping for his return.

The Upcoming Return in Season 36

Good news for fans of Herb Powell! It appears that a beloved character from years past, voiced by Danny DeVito, is indeed returning to the show for an upcoming episode. This is, like, pretty big news for long-time viewers who remember his previous appearances. It will mark a significant moment, as it's been many years since we last saw him.

This exciting return is set to happen in the upcoming 36th season of The Simpsons. The season premiere, which will feature Danny DeVito, is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, on FOX. It's really quite something that after first guest starring on the show in 1991, Danny DeVito will be returning for a new episode decades later.

The anticipation for this episode is, you know, pretty high. Fans have been talking about it, and it shows just how much impact a well-crafted character, even a recurring one, can have on an audience. It's always a treat when the show brings back familiar faces, especially when they're voiced by such distinguished talent. Learn more about The Simpsons on our site, and check out this page for more guest star information.

Teasers From The Simpsons Writers

The news about Danny DeVito's return actually came out through some pretty interesting channels. In a recent podcast, The Simpsons writer and producer Michael Price revealed that DeVito would be taking on a role he had previously played in the series. This, of course, strongly suggests that Herb Powell is the character making a comeback. It's a pretty clear hint, isn't it?

Michael Price, the writer/producer, even teased the idea of Danny DeVito playing "Homer's brother?" This kind of confirmation, even if it's a playful tease, just adds to the excitement. It's always great when the people behind the show give little nuggets of information like that to the fans. It builds up the hype, you know?

Interestingly, The Simpsons writer also admitted there was a "big mistake in early episode of the show" during the podcast. While we'll have to wait and see if DeVito will be reprising his role or playing someone new, show bosses have given strong indications. The potential return of Herb really showcases how the show can revisit and expand on its rich history, which is, like, a pretty smart move for a long-running series. For more insights into the show's history and behind-the-scenes stories, you might want to check out a reputable source on animation history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Danny DeVito voice a character in The Simpsons?

Yes, absolutely! Danny DeVito guest starred as Herb Powell, who is Homer Simpson's half-brother. He first appeared in the season two episode "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" and later in "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?".

What is the name of Danny DeVito's character in The Simpsons?

Danny DeVito voiced the character Herb Powell. Herb is a successful businessman who, you know, unfortunately, loses his fortune after Homer designs a disastrous car for his company. He later regains his wealth with a new invention.

Is Danny DeVito returning to The Simpsons?

Yes, he is! After first guest starring in 1991, Danny DeVito will be returning in the upcoming 36th season of The Simpsons. It's expected he will reprise his role as Herb Powell, with the season premiere featuring him airing on Sunday, September 29, on FOX.

A Lasting Legacy and a Welcome Return

So, there you have it. Danny DeVito's connection to The Simpsons is not just a passing footnote; it's a significant part of the show's history, centered around a character who has deep ties to the Simpson family. Herb Powell, Homer's long-lost half-brother, really brought a unique dynamic to the series, and his initial appearances left a lasting impression on viewers.

The news of his return for the 36th season is, you know, pretty exciting for fans who have long hoped to see this beloved character again. It speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of The Simpsons and its ability to bring back classic elements while still moving forward. It's going to be really interesting to see what new adventures await Herb and how his story continues to intertwine with Homer's. It's almost like a family reunion we've all been waiting for, isn't it?

Danny DeVito - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Danny DeVito - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Danny

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