Nancy Cartwright's Most Unusual Bart Simpson Voice Request
Nancy Cartwright, the legendary voice behind Bart Simpson from the iconic animated series 'The Simpsons,' has disclosed the most absurd location where she was ever asked to perform the famous "Bart voice." The 68-year-old actress recounted a remarkable incident that occurred during a flight to London, where a flight attendant recognized her and made an unexpected request.
The Cockpit Surprise
During a recent episode of her podcast, 'Simpsons Declassified,' Cartwright was questioned by fellow voice actor Joe Mantegna, who voices the character Fat Tony, about "the most ridiculous place" someone has ever asked her to do the Bart Simpson impression. Cartwright vividly recalled the moment on the airplane. "She was like, 'Sorry to interrupt you, Ms. Cartwright, but just wondering, are you the voice of Bart Simpson?' I’m like, 'Yes, I am,'" the actress remembered. "She goes, 'Okay, both of our pilots are huge, huge fans, would there be any way if we could get you to come up into the cockpit and announce that we’re heading into Heathrow?'"
Cartwright, who has been voicing Bart Simpson for over 38 years, agreed without hesitation. "So we go up, and I’m like shaking their hand," she continued. "They handed me the microphone, and I said something like [in the voice of Bart Simpson] 'Ladies and gentlemen, this is Bart Simpson speaking. I’m the copilot here, and I just wanted to let you know we will be landing in Japan in about 15 minutes, so buckle your seatbelts.'" The humorous announcement, with its playful geographical twist, highlights the unique and often surreal experiences that come with being part of such a beloved cultural phenomenon.
How Cartwright Landed the Role of Bart Simpson
In a fascinating backstory, Cartwright recently revealed in a February 6 interview with People magazine that her journey to becoming Bart Simpson's voice was not straightforward. She originally auditioned for the role of Lisa Simpson, the intelligent and conscientious sister. However, during the audition process, she found herself drawn to Bart's character. Cartwright explained that she thought a "10-year-old underachiever, school-hating underachiever, and proud of it" was more interesting, leading her to switch her focus. She auditioned for Bart's role and was selected on the spot, a decision that has defined her career and contributed to the show's enduring success.
This anecdote not only showcases Cartwright's versatility and quick thinking but also underscores the serendipitous nature of casting in the entertainment industry. Her ability to bring Bart to life with such authenticity has made her an integral part of 'The Simpsons' legacy, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
