Mr. Burns

Barry Diller Shankbone Metropolitan Opera 2009

Harryshearer

Charles Montgomery Burns, commonly known as Mr. Burns, is a fictional character in the American animated television series The Simpsons. He is the evil, greedy, and wealthy owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and is also the boss of Homer Simpson. Mr. Burns is known for his catchphrase, "Excellent," which he utters while steepling his fingers when his plans are going to his satisfaction. He is one of the most iconic and enduring characters in the series.

Character Overview

Mr. Burns is characterized by his extreme wealth, his vast corruption, and his lack of concern for others. He is the epitome of corporate greed, often coming up with schemes to increase his wealth at the expense of the environment, the health of his employees, or the well-being of the citizens of Springfield. Despite his age, which is often humorously exaggerated within the series, Mr. Burns is depicted as having an almost cartoonish level of physical frailty, requiring constant care from his loyal and sycophantic assistant, Waylon Smithers.

Background

Mr. Burns' backstory varies from episode to episode, but he is generally depicted as being born into wealth and having maintained his position through underhanded business practices and exploitation. His age is a running gag in the series; he is often stated to be over 100 years old, making him one of the oldest characters in The Simpsons universe. His past is shown to intersect with numerous historical events and figures, further exaggerating his age and experience.

Personality

Mr. Burns embodies the stereotype of a corporate mogul who is out of touch with the common man. His immense wealth and power have isolated him from the realities of everyday life, leading to moments of comedy when he attempts to interact with the citizens of Springfield. Despite his generally villainous nature, the character has been shown to have moments of vulnerability and loneliness, suggesting a more complex personality beneath his exterior of greed and malevolence.

Impact and Reception

Mr. Burns is considered one of the greatest television villains of all time. His character has been praised for its humor, complexity, and as a satirical representation of corporate America. He has become a cultural icon, representing the archetype of a greedy corporate executive. His influence extends beyond The Simpsons, with his character being referenced in various other media and discussions regarding corporate ethics and greed.

In Popular Culture

Mr. Burns has been parodied and referenced in numerous other television shows, movies, and media. His catchphrase "Excellent" and his distinctive mannerisms have become part of popular culture, often used to represent or parody the concept of an evil overlord or a greedy capitalist.

See Also

• List of The Simpsons characters
• Homer Simpson
• Springfield Nuclear Power Plant
• Waylon Smithers