Nancy Cartwright on Voice Acting, Bart-Mania, and The Simpsons’ Biggest Moments

In this entertaining and behind-the-scenes episode of Simpsons Declassified, legendary voice actress Nancy Cartwright—best known as the voice of Bart Simpson—joins the show for a lively fan Q&A packed with stories, laughs, and surprising insights from more than three decades on The Simpsons. From iconic catchphrases to heartfelt fan stories, Cartwright shares what it’s really like to bring one of television’s most recognizable characters to life. The episode kicks off with a fun discussion about favorite Bart-centric episodes, including classics like “Cape Fear,” and dives into the show’s tradition of musical moments and parodies that fans love. Cartwright reveals that even the smallest improvised tunes or humming moments from Bart can technically count as original music—earning her tiny royalty checks for those spontaneous vocal bits. It’s one of many quirky behind-the-scenes realities of working in animation. Listeners also get a closer look at Cartwright’s creative process and how much freedom she had shaping Bart’s personality. While the character started with a basic description—“a ten-year-old school-hating underachiever and proud of it”—Cartwright explains that the writers and creators encouraged actors to bring their own energy and interpretation to the role. That collaboration helped define Bart’s rebellious spirit and his dynamic relationship with Lisa, the moral center of the Simpson family. Beyond Bart, Cartwright talks about some of her favorite characters to perform—especially Nelson Muntz, the Springfield bully with a surprisingly sentimental side. She reflects on Nelson’s layered personality and why voicing such drastically different characters is one of the joys of voice acting. The conversation highlights how a single performer can bring multiple personalities to life through subtle changes in tone, rhythm, and attitude. The episode also explores Cartwright’s early career in voice acting before The Simpsons, including roles in shows like My Little Pony, Pound Puppies, and Richie Rich. She shares how years of background voice work and improvisation helped sharpen the skills that eventually landed her the role of Bart. Fans will especially enjoy hearing about the height of “Bart-mania” in the early 1990s—when Bart Simpson became one of the most recognizable characters in America. Despite the show’s explosive popularity, Cartwright remained largely anonymous in public, an unusual experience compared to traditional on-screen celebrities. Throughout the episode, the hosts mix in humor and quirky segments—including multiple donut taste-testing breaks—while Cartwright shares touching moments about the impact the show has had on fans’ lives. From Emmy wins and massive live performances at the Hollywood Bowl to intimate table reads with the cast, she reflects on the milestones that made The Simpsons a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a lifelong Simpsons fan or curious about the craft of voice acting, this episode offers a fascinating look at the artistry, legacy, and humor behind one of television’s most iconic animated shows. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices