Lisa Simpson

Lisasmall2

Yeardley Smith 2012

Lisa - Good Night

The Simpsons star

Lisa Marie Simpson is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons. She is the middle child and most intelligent of the Simpson family. Voiced by Yeardley Smith, Lisa first appeared on television in the The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night" on April 19, 1987. Matt Groening created and designed her while waiting in the lobby of James L. Brooks' office. She later debuted on the Fox network in The Simpsons series premiere "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" on December 17, 1989.

Character

Lisa is a precocious eight-year-old girl, who is a passionate advocate for a variety of political causes including environmentalism, feminism, and animal rights. She is highly intelligent and plays the saxophone, specifically the baritone sax, with great passion. Lisa's character is a complex mix of intelligence, emotion, and ethical standards. She often feels isolated because of her intelligence and her moral convictions, which frequently puts her at odds with her family and the citizens of Springfield.

Creation and Development

Lisa was created by Matt Groening in the lobby of James L. Brooks' office. Groening had been called to pitch a series of shorts based on his comic strip Life in Hell but instead decided to create a new set of characters. He named the character after his younger sister Lisa Groening. Lisa's personality was designed to reflect "the daughter every father wishes to have," according to Groening. Her intelligence and liberal political stance often serve as a counterpoint to the rest of her family.

Cultural Impact

Lisa Simpson has become an iconic character in American television. She has been the subject of analysis, debate and discourse over the years for her representation of women in animation, her role as a young intellectual, and her influence as a feminist icon. Lisa has also been used as a symbol in various political and social campaigns.

Reception

Lisa has received critical acclaim for her character depth and complexity. She has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Yeardley Smith for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance. Lisa is often cited as a favorite character among fans for her intelligence, sensitivity, and strong moral compass.

In Popular Culture

Lisa Simpson's influence extends beyond the series. She has appeared in various media, including comic books, video games, and merchandise. Her character has been referenced in other television shows, songs, and books, highlighting her status as a cultural icon.

See Also

• Homer Simpson
• Marge Simpson
• Bart Simpson
• Maggie Simpson
• The Simpsons franchise