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Simpsons

Stephen Hawking On The Simpsons: A Brief History Of a Comedic Genius

“Your theory of a donut-shaped universe is intriguing Homer, I may have to steal it.”

Stephen Hawking was many things.

A fascinating mind, a world-renowned theoretical physicist, and a man with a sense of humour matched only by some of the world’s great creators of pop culture and comedy.

Since the announcement of his passing yesterday at the age of 76, the Internet has been abuzz with tributes and praise for the man who popularised science for the masses.

In between the undeniable scientific achievements, we’ve also seen countless reminders of Hawking’s amazing comedic talents, his ability to make others laugh, and his willingness to laugh at himself.

One of the first to pay tribute to Hawking after his passing was Simpsons executive producer and writer Al Jean – who worked with Hawking during his four separate appearances on the famous cartoon.

While The Simpsons was just one of the many shows Hawking guest-starred in, its importance lies in the fact that it was also his first. These guest spots eventually led Hawking to appear in a number of series and sitcoms over the years, including The Big Bang Theory, Star Trek The Next Generation, and Little Britain.

Renowned for his joke-telling during the table reads, Hawking’s initial appearance on The Simpsons was in the Season 10 episode, “The Saved Lisa’s Brain”.

Here, Hawking (playing himself) heads to Springfield in the hopes of experiencing the utopia of a community built by Springfield’s Mensa chapter. Instead, he arrives to chaos, as the group has collapsed on itself due to big brains and even bigger egos.

It’s in this famous episode that Hawking created one of the best lines in Simpsons history.

Once Hawking finishes reading the group the riot act, Homer chimes in, yelling “Larry Flynt is right! You guys stink!”

According to Jean, the line was entirely Hawking’s idea.

“Mr. Hawking read it and allowed it,” Jean told The Hollywood Reporter. “The joke is Homer is an idiot. In no way was it critical of Mr. Hawking.”

This was just one of the many times Hawking used his whip smart self deprecating humour to get audiences laughing.

Hawking eventually went on to star in three other Simpsons episodes including, “Don’t Fear The Roofer”, “Stop of My Dog Will Shoot”, and “Elementary School Musical”, but his humour would permeate all that he did.

Simpsons executive producer and writer Matt Selman also spoke about Hawking’s time in the writer’s room,  telling The AV Club that the world’s smartest man would often show up just to hang out.

“Like, ‘There’s Matt Groening. There’s Dan Castellaneta. There’s… Stephen Hawking. At the read. Just enjoying our world.”

Hawking didn’t just appear on The Simpsons though, he even made a few appearances in Matt Groening’s animated world of Futurama – because he’s a legend and of course he did.

Oh, Mr. Hawking. Rest in peace, good sir.

We’re sure you’re up there somewhere, looking down on us from those twinkling stars above.

Here’s looking at you, kid.