Dan Castellaneta
Highest Rated: 100% Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie (2017)
Lowest Rated: 0% Plump Fiction (1996)
Birthday: Oct 29, 1957
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Forever associated with his ongoing voice work as Homer J. Simpson on Matt Groening and James L. Brooks' long, long-running Fox animated sitcom The Simpsons, Dan Castellaneta is well-reputed for his modest, unassuming presence in real life and his paradoxical ability to spin characters -- seemingly from out of nowhere -- that instantly take on lives of their own. Groening once famously remarked that "Dan can do everything, and he practically does....You might never notice him, but then he opens his mouth and he completely creates one character after another.'' Born in 1957, Castellaneta grew up in the small town of Oak Grove, IL, in the northwestern corner of the state, near the Iowa border. As a self-described introvert who developed and honed a facility for slipping into the guise of characters to entertain and make social situations easier (read: class clown), Castellaneta nevertheless diverged from this path in college and worked toward a career as a high-school art teacher via his studies at Northern Illinois University. Then, one of Castellaneta's professors (perhaps sensing some dissatisfaction) wisely admonished him to only work at a field, and in a job, that he loved. Castellaneta reasoned that acting fit the bill, and auditioned for the infamous sketch comedy troupe Second City shortly after graduation. The troupe hired him, and in time, the skills that the actor projected led to his involvement on the then-fledgling Fox network's sketch comedy series The Tracey Ullman Show, which premiered on Sunday, April 5, 1987. Castellaneta joined Ullman, Julie Kavner, Joe Malone, Sam McMurray, and for a time Anna Levine in live-action skits that parodied all aspects of Western culture.As a most unusual aspect of her program, Ullman opted to feature crudely animated, offbeat segments as Monty Python-style transitions between the individual sketches. The episodes in question were drawn by Gabor Csupo and Groening (at that time, comic-strip artist of growing infamy known for his Life Is Hell series starring a buck-toothed, bug-eyed rabbit named Bucky). Although the subjects of the shorts initially varied, within a few months they began to focus exclusively on a hyper-dysfunctional blue-collar family called the Simpsons; Kavner and Castellaneta voiced parents Homer and Marge Simpson, respectively. Those segments gained such massive popularity that they eventually outshone that of the Ullman show itself (which wrapped in September 1990), and executive producer James L. Brooks, following this cue, decided to spin off the Simpsons into their own weekly animated series. Kavner and Castellaneta, of course, followed Brooks to the new program, joined in time by longtime Brooks acquaintance Harry Shearer, as well as Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and numerous others.The Simpsons premiered on Fox on December 17, 1989, and became not simply a hit but a phenomenon. It shot up to instantly become one of the highest-rated series on television, and attained iconic status. The program scored as a cause célèbre not simply with children (as expected) but with adult viewers as well, who appreciated the show's ability to skewer all aspects of society and culture. (It generated a billion-dollar marketing boom as well -- an onslaught of Bart Simpson-themed T-shirts, watches, dolls, beach towels, and everything else under the sun.) The program also drew an onslaught of celebrity guests -- everyone from Larry King to Tony Bennett to Beverly D'Angelo and Linda Ronstadt. Castellaneta himself will forever be tied to Homer Simpson -- the lunkheaded, potbellied, beer-swilling, donut-loving nuclear-plant worker with not a whole lot upstairs, and a thoroughly crass lifestyle, but also a big, soft heart (a quality which Castellaneta's co-workers insist that he alone brought to the character). But hardcore Simpsons cultists and even its less attentive devotees will realize that Castellaneta voices not only Homer (as mentioned), but also the gravel
Photos
Highest Rated Movies
Filmography
Movies
| Credit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie | Grandpa Phil | — | 2017 |
| No Score Yet | The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story | Aaron Spelling | — | 2015 |
| No Score Yet | The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story | Aaron Spelling | — | 2015 |
| 81% | Super 8 | Izzy | $127M | 2011 |
| No Score Yet | The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3D! On Ice! | Actor | — | 2010 |
| No Score Yet | Relative Stranger | Gary | — | 2009 |
| No Score Yet | Immigrants | Actor | — | 2008 |
| No Score Yet | Remembering Phil | Actor | — | 2008 |
| 17% | Superhero Movie | Carlson | $25.9M | 2008 |
| No Score Yet | Sands of Oblivion | Actor | — | 2007 |
| 88% | The Simpsons Movie | Homer/Itchy/Barney/Grampa/Krusty/Mayor Quimby/Mel | $183.2M | 2007 |
| No Score Yet | Hellboy Animated: Iron Shoes | Actor | — | 2007 |
| 67% | The Pursuit of Happyness | Alan Frakesh | $162.6M | 2006 |
| No Score Yet | Scooby-Doo: Pirates Ahoy! | Mr. Mysterio/Woodenleg Wally | — | 2006 |
| 73% | I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With | Dick | — | 2006 |
| No Score Yet | I See You.com | Jim Orr | — | 2006 |
| No Score Yet | Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Charlie's Angels' | Aaron Spelling | — | 2004 |
| 9% | Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat | Voice of Thing 1 and 2 | $100.5M | 2003 |
| 29% | Hey Arnold! The Movie | Grandpa/Nick Vermicelli | $13.6M | 2002 |
| 45% | Return to Never Land | Mullins | $48.4M | 2002 |
| No Score Yet | Buttleman (Harold Buttleman, Daredevil Stuntman) | Actor | — | 2002 |
| 60% | Recess: School's Out | Guard No.1 | $34.9M | 2001 |
| No Score Yet | Neil Simon's 'Laughter on the 23rd Floor' | Milt | — | 2001 |
| 76% | Rugrats in Paris - The Movie | Priest | — | 2000 |
| No Score Yet | 'The Simpsons': America's First Family | Actor | — | 2000 |
| No Score Yet | Olive, the Other Reindeer | Postman | — | 1999 |
| No Score Yet | The Settlement | Neal | — | 1999 |
| 19% | My Giant | Partlow | — | 1998 |
| No Score Yet | Aladdin's Arabian Adventures: Magic Makers | Actor | — | 1998 |
| No Score Yet | Aladdin's Arabian Adventures: Team Genie | Actor | — | 1998 |
| No Score Yet | Aladdin's Arabian Adventures: Fearless Friends | Actor | — | 1998 |
| 0% | Plump Fiction | Bumpkin | — | 1996 |
| 20% | All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 | Tall Customs Dog/Angel Dog No. 1 | — | 1996 |
| No Score Yet | The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes | Alan Wingdale | — | 1995 |
| 30% | Love Affair | Phil | — | 1994 |
| 78% | The Client | Slick Moeller | — | 1994 |
| 33% | The Return of Jafar | Genie | — | 1994 |
| 23% | Super Mario Bros. | Narrator | — | 1993 |
| No Score Yet | Lady Against the Odds | Len Chisolm | — | 1992 |
| 36% | Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead | Animated Babysitter | — | 1991 |
| No Score Yet | Working Trash | George Agrande | — | 1990 |
| No Score Yet | The Simpsons: Family Therapy | Actor | — | 1989 |
| 85% | The War of the Roses | Man in Chair | — | 1989 |
| 22% | K-9 | Maitre d' | — | 1989 |
| 57% | Nothing in Common | Brian | — | 1986 |
TV
| Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 85% |
The Simpsons 1989 |
Voice Screenwriter |
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 |
| 33% |
Merry Happy Whatever 2019 |
Ted Boseman |
2019 |
| No Score Yet |
Tracey Ullman's Show 2016-2018 |
Performer |
2016 |
| No Score Yet |
Baby Daddy 2012-2017 |
Peter Oliver |
2015 2014 |
| 71% |
Family Guy 1999 |
Voice |
2014 2005 |
| 86% |
The Mindy Project 2012-2017 |
Marty |
2013 |
| 95% |
Futurama 1999-2013 |
Guest Voice |
2013 2012 2011 2008 2003 2000 1999 |
| 68% |
The Good Guys 2010 |
Walter |
2010 |
| No Score Yet |
Tracey Ullman's State of the Union 2008-2010 |
2010 |
|
| 90% |
Bones 2005-2017 |
Off. Novarro |
2009 |
| 80% |
Castle 2009-2016 |
Judge Markway |
2009 |
| No Score Yet |
Comment je l'ai rencontrée 2005-2011 |
Milt |
2009 |
| 72% |
Desperate Housewives 2004-2012 |
Jeff Bicks |
2009 |
| No Score Yet |
Ghost Whisperer 2005-2010 |
Frank the Ghost |
2009 |
| 83% |
How I Met Your Mother 2005-2014 |
Milt |
2009 |
| 90% |
Monk 2002-2009 |
2008 |
|
| 87% |
Reno 911! 2003-2009 |
2008 |
|
| 66% |
Entourage 2004-2011 |
2007 |
|
| 75% |
Greek 2007-2011 |
Dr. Milton Hastings |
2007 |
| No Score Yet |
Stargate SG-1 1997-2007 |
Joe Spencer |
2005 |
| 75% |
Arrested Development 2003-2019 |
Dr. Stein |
2005 2004 |
| No Score Yet |
The Batman 2004-2008 |
Voice |
2004 |
| No Score Yet |
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius 2002-2006 |
Voice |
2004 2003 |
| No Score Yet |
Hey Arnold! 1996-2004 |
Voice |
2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 |
| 94% |
Frasier 1993-2004 |
Brad |
2003 |
| No Score Yet |
That '70s Show 1998-2006 |
Agent Armstrong |
2003 |
| No Score Yet |
Reba 2001-2007 |
Eugene Dr. Eugene |
2003 2002 2001 |
| No Score Yet |
Yes, Dear 2000-2006 |
Walt |
2001 |
| No Score Yet |
Everybody Loves Raymond 1996-2005 |
Bryan Trenberth |
2001 1998 1997 |
| No Score Yet |
Mad About You 1992-1999 |
Rory |
1999 |
| 17% |
Oh Grow Up 1999 |
Sven Jorgenson |
1999 |
| No Score Yet |
The Drew Carey Show 1995-2004 |
Stan |
1999 1997 |
| No Score Yet |
Hercules 1998-1999 |
Voice |
1998 |
| 84% |
NYPD Blue 1993-2005 |
Gus the Doorman |
1996 |
| No Score Yet |
Murphy Brown 1988 |
Tony Lucchesi |
1995 |
| No Score Yet |
Grace Under Fire 1993-1998 |
Mr. Rudder |
1994 |
| No Score Yet |
Wings 1990-1997 |
Wexler |
1994 |
| No Score Yet |
Marsupilami 1993 |
Stewart |
1993 |
| No Score Yet |
Darkwing Duck 1991-1992 |
Voice |
1992 1991 |
| 96% |
Dinosaurs 1991-1994 |
Voice |
1992 1991 |
| No Score Yet |
Married...With Children 1987-1997 |
Pete Funeral Director |
1992 1990 |
| No Score Yet |
ALF 1986-1990 |
Steve Michaels |
1990 |
| No Score Yet |
Aladdin 1995 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
Back to the Future 1991-1992 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
Cow and Chicken 1997-1999 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
Earthworm Jim 1996 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
Eek! The Cat 1997 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
Fievel's American Tails 1993 |
Voice | |
| 50% |
Sibs 1992 |
Warren Morris | |
| No Score Yet |
Taz-Mania 1995 |
Voice | |
| No Score Yet |
The Mindy Project |
Marty | |
| No Score Yet |
The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper 1998 |
||
| No Score Yet |
The Tracey Ullman Show 1987-1990 |
Performer |
QUOTES FROM Dan Castellaneta CHARACTERS
Man in Chair says: Why would somebody sell a million-dollar house for $200,000?
Gavin D'Amato says: Who knows--divorce, loan sharks, drugs, sudden death--the point is, you get to capitalize on a fellow human being's misfortune. That's the basis of real estate.
Homer says: How you doing? Peace be with you! Praise Jebus!
Homer says: I'm happy here. Screw Springfield!
Homer says: Worst day of your life so far.
Homer says: Worst day of your life so far.
Marge says: What is the point of going to church every Sunday, when if someone we love has a genuine religious experience, we ignore it? Right Grampa?
Grampa says: I want bananas on my waffles!
Homer says: Thank you, boob lady!
Barney says: Preachy!
Green Day says: We're not being preachy!
Krusty the Clown says: If you can find a greasier sandwich, you're in Mexico!
Homer says: That was the most incredible experience of my life! And now, to find my family, save my town, and drop ten pounds!
Homer says: [house is getting attacked by mob] Careful! I got a chainsaw! [Makes horribly fake chainsaw noises]
Homer says: He`s not Spiderpig anymore right now he`s Harry Plopper
Homer says: He's not Spider- Pig anymore, he's Harry Plopper.
Pig says: Oink
Pig says: Oink.
Marge says: (about pig crap silo) It's leaking.
Marge says: [about pig crap silo] It's leaking.
Homer says: It's not leaking, Marge. It's overflowing.
Marge says: He filled up the silo in just two days?
Homer says: Well, I helped.
Marge says: How did pig tracks get on the ceiling?
Homer says: Spiderpig Spiderpig. Does whatever a Spiderpig does. Can he swing from a web? No he can't. He's a pig. Look out! He's a Spiderpig!
Grampa says: Twisted tale.... A thousand eyes.... Trapped forever.... EPA! EPA! EPA!
Homer says: Thank you, boob lady!
Homer says: [Founds an angry mob outside their home] Marge, look, those idiots don't even know where we live! [Angry mob goes to the Simpsons] D'oh!
Homer says: [finds an angry mob outside their home] Marge, look, those idiots don't even know where we live! [angry mob goes to the Simpsons] D'oh!
Lisa says: Dad, do something!
Homer says: [Flipping the pages of the Bible] This book doesn't have any answers!
Homer says: [flipping the pages of the Bible] This book doesn't have any answers!
Homer says: Praise for Geebus
Homer says: Praise for Geebus.
Grampa says: I'm part of the mob!
Homer says: Spider pig!
Homer says: The best kiss of your life..so far.
Homer says: Best kiss of your life, so far.
Marge says: How did the pig tracks get on the ceiling?
Homer says: Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does whatever a Spiderpig does! Can he swing? From a web? No he can't. He's a pig! Lookout! He's the Spiderpig!
Homer says: Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does whatever a Spiderpig does! Can he swing? From a web? No he can't. He's a pig! Lookout! He's the Spiderpig!
Homer says: I can't believe we're paying to see something we get on TV for free! If you ask me, everybody in this theater is a giant sucker! Especially you! [points to us]
Homer says: I would but I'm affraid of opening the door and killing you too.
Homer says: I would, but I'm afraid if I open the door, they'll take all of you!
Carl says: No we only wanna kill Homer.
Carl says: No we won't. We just want Homer!
Homer says: Alright but they would kill Granpa....
Homer says: Well, maybe not you, but they'll kill Grandpa!
Grampa says: I'm at their side.
Grampa says: I'm part of the mob!
Russ Cargill says: Hello Homer!
Homer says: At last we meet who ever you are.
Homer says: So, we meet at last, whoever you are.
Marge says: Ugh, it's leaking!
Homer says: It's not leaking, it's overflowing!
Homer says: It's not leaking, it's OVERFLOWING.
Marge says: He filled up the whole silo in two days?
Marge says: He filled up the whole silo in just two days?
Homer says: Well, I helped.
Lisa says: Oh come on now mom it's not like the government is monitoring everyones conversations.
Marge says: (Whisper on Government Workers headset) I just think we should lay low till we get to Seattle.
NSA Worker says: Oh my god it's them! (Screams) Hey everyone! We found them, the government actually found someone we're looking for! Yeah baby Yeah!
Krusty the Clown says: Teeny! Take out the baby!
Homer says: Spider-Pig, Spider-Pig, does whatever a Spider-Pig does. Can he swing from a web? No he can't, because he's a pig. Look out, here comes Spider-Pig!
Homer says: Spider Pig! Spider Pig! Does whatever a spider pig does! can he swing from a web ? No he can't He's a pig! Lookout! Here comes...
Marge says: A thousand eyes.What could that mean?
Marge says: A thousand eyes. What could that mean?
Grampa says: I think a thousand...is a number.
Grampa says: I think a thousand, is a number.
Homer says: That was the most incredible experience of my life! And now, to find my family, save my town, and drop ten pounds!