# Matt Groening

> American cartoonist (born 1954)

**Wikidata**: [Q43994](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43994)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Groening)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matt-groening

## Summary
Matt Groening is an American cartoonist, animator, and writer best known for creating the iconic animated series *The Simpsons*, *Futurama*, and *Disenchantment*. Born in 1954, he is a pivotal figure in modern animation, renowned for his satirical storytelling and memorable characters that have profoundly influenced pop culture.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1954 (exact date and place not specified)  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**: Attended Evergreen State College (public liberal arts college in Washington State)  
- **Known for**: Creating *The Simpsons*, *Futurama*, and *Disenchantment*; pioneering adult animation  
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations**: 
  - *The Simpsons* (1987–present)
  - *Futurama* (1999–2013)
  - *Disenchantment* (2018–2023)
  - Bongo Comics Group (comic publisher founded in 1993)  
- **Field(s)**: Cartooning, animation, screenwriting, television production, voice acting  

## Contributions
- **The Simpsons** (1987–present): Developed from one-minute shorts on *The Tracey Ullman Show* into the longest-running primetime scripted show in television history.  
- **Futurama** (1999–2013): Adult animated sci-fi sitcom set in the year 3000, revived multiple times due to fan demand.  
- **Disenchantment** (2018–2023): Fantasy animated series following the misadventures of a hard-drinking princess.  
- **Characters Created**: Homer Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Marge Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Ned Flanders, Fry (*Futurama*), Leela (*Futurama*), and hundreds more.  
- **Comics**: Published under Bongo Comics Group, including *The Simpsons Comics* and *Futurama Comics*.  

## FAQs
**Q: What is Matt Groening’s most famous work?**  
A: *The Simpsons*, which premiered in 1989 and became a global phenomenon, redefining animated television for adult audiences.  

**Q: Where did Matt Groening study?**  
A: He attended Evergreen State College in Washington State, though specific details about his academic focus are not provided.  

**Q: What awards has Matt Groening won?**  
A: He has received multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Winsor McCay Award, and the Reuben Award for outstanding achievement in cartooning.  

**Q: What other shows has Matt Groening created?**  
A: Beyond *The Simpsons*, he developed *Futurama* (1999–2013) and *Disenchantment* (2018–2023), both critically acclaimed for their humor and worldbuilding.  

**Q: How has Matt Groening influenced animation?**  
A: His work challenged the notion that cartoons were solely for children, paving the way for adult-oriented animated series and reshaping the television comedy landscape.  

## Why They Matter
Matt Groening revolutionized animation by merging sophisticated humor with relatable characters, making *The Simpsons* a cultural touchstone. His shows tackle complex social, political, and philosophical issues, ensuring their relevance across generations. Without Groening, adult animation as a mainstream genre may not have achieved its current prominence, and the careers of countless animators, writers, and comedians would lack a key inspirational foundation.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Primetime Emmy Awards, Winsor McCay Award, Reuben Award, star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  
- **Firsts**: Creator of the longest-running primetime scripted show (*The Simpsons*).  
- **Industry Influence**: Pioneered the "animated sitcom" format, inspiring shows like *Family Guy* and *Rick and Morty*.  
- **Cultural Impact**: *The Simpsons* is credited with popularizing catchphrases ("D’oh!"), predicting future events, and critiquing societal norms.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Matt Groening was born in 1954 in the United States. He attended Evergreen State College, a public liberal arts institution in Washington State, though specific details about his academic career remain undisclosed. His early work as a cartoonist laid the groundwork for his future success in animation.

### Career
Groening began his career in the 1970s, contributing to newspapers and magazines. His breakthrough came in 1987 with *The Simpsons* shorts on *The Tracey Ullman Show*, which evolved into a full series in 1989. The show’s success led to the creation of *Futurama* in 1999, a sci-fi comedy that developed a cult following. In 2018, he launched *Disenchantment*, a medieval fantasy series, further expanding his creative universe. Beyond television, Groening founded Bongo Comics Group in 1993 to publish comics based on his shows.

### Key Works
- **The Simpsons** (1989–present): Satirizes American life through the dysfunctional yet endearing Simpson family. The show has aired over 700 episodes, winning 34 Primetime Emmy Awards.  
- **Futurama** (1999–2013): A sci-fi comedy set in the year 3000, following pizza delivery boy Philip J. Fry. The series explores themes of technology, identity, and existentialism.  
- **Disenchantment** (2018–2023): A dark fantasy saga centered on Princess Bean, blending humor with complex narrative arcs.  

### Awards and Recognition
Groening has garnered widespread acclaim, including:  
- **Primetime Emmy Awards** (multiple wins for *The Simpsons* and *Futurama*).  
- **Winsor McCay Award** (2002) for lifetime contributions to animation.  
- **Reuben Award** (2002) from the National Cartoonists Society.  
- **Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame** (2017).  

### Legacy
Groening’s work has redefined animation’s potential as a medium for intelligent, subversive storytelling. *The Simpsons* alone has generated billions in revenue, inspired countless memes, and been named a "cultural phenomenon" by critics. His influence extends to education, with *The Simpsons* used in academic courses to teach sociology, philosophy, and media studies. By merging humor with heart, Groening’s creations continue to resonate globally, ensuring his status as a titan of modern entertainment.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Wikisimpsons
3. BnF authorities
4. The Movie Database
5. RKDartists
6. Who's Who in Animated Cartoon
7. Geni.com
8. datos.bne.es
9. Union List of Artist Names
10. Munzinger-Archiv
11. IMDb
12. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/27/magazine/on-sunday-december-27-1998-questions-for-matt-groening.html)
13. [Annie Awards](https://annieawards.org/juried-awards/winsor-mccay)
14. [43rd Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners](https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1991/outstanding-short-format-animated-program)
15. [Source](https://www.duh.de/ump15/#c55376)
16. [Source](https://www.nationalcartoonists.com/awards/)
17. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-award-recipients-2010-present)
18. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot)
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. CiNii Research
21. SNAC
22. Comiclopedia
23. BD Gest'
24. Munzinger Personen
25. [Source](https://cartoons.osu.edu/biographical-files/)
26. IdRef
27. CONOR.SI
28. BBC Things
29. [Source](https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=urn:gvn:NAGO02:EYE-A57018)
30. Matt Groening Albums: songs, discography, biography, and listening guide - Rate Your Music. Rate Your Music
31. [Simpsons Movie, The. 2007](https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=urn:gvn:NAGO02:EYE-A57018)
32. Know Your Meme