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The time O.J. Simpson made an unforgettable ‘Simpsons’ cameo
On 10 April, the former NFL star, who was acquitted of a double murder charge in a high-profile 1990s trial, died of cancer at the age of 76.
Television history, and pop culture in general, has been massively served by the animated series ‘The Simpsons’, with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, along with a plethora of other characters, entertaining us from our screens. Ever since its debut in 1989, the sitcom has garnered acclaim for its sharp wit, biting satire, and those aforementioned memorable characters, which have included appearances from real-life celebrities. And one of those who graced the yellow-skinned world, shared a surname with the iconic family. That man is O.J. Simpson, who passed away this week.
Which episode of The Simpsons did O.J. appear in?
Yes, you read that right. The man once renowned for his prowess on the football field and later infamous for his involvement in one of the most sensational trials of the century found himself in the surreal realm of Springfield. Simpson’s cameo in the series is a curious footnote in both television and legal history, blending the absurdity of celebrity culture with the irreverent humour that defines the show.
The episode in question, “The Springfield Connection,” aired during the show’s sixth season and features Marge Simpson’s foray into law enforcement as she joins the Springfield Police Force. In a stroke of casting that can only be described as bizarre, O.J. Simpson lends his voice to a character who shares the same name as the show’s patriarch: Homer Simpson.
Picture the scene: Homer, being Homer, inevitably finds himself on the wrong side of the law and is briefly incarcerated. And who better to voice this incarcerated version of Homer than the man whose own legal entanglements would soon become the stuff of tabloid legend?
Simpson’s cameo is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, lasting mere seconds, but its impact reverberates through the annals of television history. It’s a testament to the show’s willingness to push boundaries and court controversy, even if it means inviting someone as polarizing as O.J. Simpson into its animated universe.
Of course, ‘The Simpsons’ is no stranger to celebrity cameos. Over the years, the show has featured everyone from Michael Jackson to Stephen Hawking, each adding their own unique flavour to Springfield’s eclectic population. But Simpson’s appearance stands apart, not just for who he is, but for the timing of it all.
The episode aired in May 1995, just a few months before Simpson would find himself at the center of the trial of the century: the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The trial would captivate the nation, dominating headlines and sparking heated debates about race, celebrity, and the criminal justice system.
In hindsight, Simpson’s cameo takes on an eerie quality, a bizarre harbinger of the tumultuous events that would soon unfold. It’s a reminder that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, even in the surreal world of “The Simpsons.”
But amidst the darkness of Simpson’s personal saga, there’s something oddly cathartic about seeing him lampooned on a show known for its biting satire and unapologetic irreverence. In a way, it’s the ultimate equaliser, a reminder that no one is immune to the sharp wit of Matt Groening and his team of writers.
So the next time you find yourself binge-watching reruns of ‘The Simpsons,’ keep an eye out for O.J. Simpson’s brief but unforgettable cameo. It’s a moment that encapsulates everything that makes the show so special: its willingness to tackle taboo subjects, its irreverent sense of humor, and its ability to find the absurdity in even the darkest corners of popular culture. And who knows, maybe you’ll even crack a smile at the sheer audacity of it all.
What other celebrities have starred in The Simpsons?
Michael Jackson - Voiced a mental patient who believes he is Michael Jackson in the episode “Stark Raving Dad.”
Elizabeth Taylor - Voiced Maggie’s first word (“Daddy”) in the episode “Lisa’s First Word.”
Paul McCartney - Appeared in the episode “Lisa the Vegetarian,” where he encourages Lisa to embrace vegetarianism.
Johnny Cash - Voiced the character of the “Space Coyote” in the episode “El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer).”
Leonard Nimoy - Appeared as himself in the episode “Marge vs. the Monorail.”
Stephen Hawking - Made multiple appearances as himself in various episodes, showcasing his sense of humour.
Kelsey Grammer - Voiced the character Sideshow Bob, a recurring antagonist.
Dustin Hoffman - Voiced Mr. Bergstrom, Lisa’s substitute teacher, in the episode “Lisa’s Substitute.”
Danny DeVito - Voiced Homer’s half-brother, Herb Powell, in the episode “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Mel Brooks - Voiced the character of “Mr. Burns” long lost son, Waylon Smithers, Jr.
For all that O.J Simpson will be remembered for, his appearance on the show of the family that shares his name with may not be at the top of the list. But he will go down in annals of television history along with the others that were turned into a yellow-skinned animated character.