Matt Groening

Born:February 15, 1954

Place of Birth:Portland, Oregon, USA

Known For:Creator

Biography

Matthew Abram "Matt" Groening, born on February 15, 1954, is a visionary American cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer who has left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Known for his creation of the iconic comic strip "Life in Hell" and his groundbreaking television series "The Simpsons" and "Futurama," Groening has solidified his legacy as a creative genius in the entertainment industry.

Groening's journey to success began with his first professional cartoon sale to Wet magazine in 1978, where "Life in Hell" made its debut. This comic strip, now featured in 250 weekly newspapers, showcased Groening's unique wit and artistic talent, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

It was Groening's fateful encounter with James L. Brooks that would change the course of his career. In 1985, Brooks approached Groening with the idea of creating animated shorts for The Tracey Ullman Show, leading to the birth of the beloved Simpson family. Groening's decision to craft a new set of characters, rather than adapt his existing ones, gave rise to "The Simpsons," a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences for over three decades.

In addition to his work on "The Simpsons," Groening ventured into the realm of science fiction with "Futurama" in collaboration with David X. Cohen. This animated series, set in the year 3000, showcased Groening's boundless imagination and storytelling prowess, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Throughout his illustrious career, Groening has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards for his contributions to both "The Simpsons" and "Futurama." His impact on the world of comedy was further recognized with a British Comedy Award for his outstanding contribution in 2004 and the prestigious National Cartoonist Society Reuben Award in 2002 for his work on "Life in Hell."

As a trailblazer in the world of animation, Matt Groening's creative vision and comedic brilliance have shaped the landscape of television and inspired generations of artists and storytellers. His ability to craft engaging narratives and memorable characters has solidified his place as a true pioneer in the industry, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Devil and Daniel Johnston

Self

2006

This 2005 documentary film chronicles the life of Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, from childhood up to the present, with an emphasis on his mental illness and how it manifested itself in demonic self-obsession.

Production

The Simpsons Movie

Screenplay

2007

After Homer accidentally pollutes the town's water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.

The Good, the Bart, and the Loki

Producer

2021

Loki is banished from Asgard once again and must face his toughest opponents yet: the Simpsons and Springfield’s mightiest heroes. The God of Mischief teams up with Bart Simpson in the ultimate crossover event paying tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe of superheroes and villains.

Futurama: Bender's Big Score

Original Series Creator

2007

The Planet Express crew return from cancellation, only to be robbed blind by hideous "sprunging" scam artists. Things go from bad to worse when the scammers hack Bender, start traveling through time, and take Earth over entirely! Will the crew be able to save the day, or will Bender's larcenous tendencies and their general incompetence doom them all?

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs

Original Series Creator

2008

Fresh off ripping space-time a new one at the end of "Bender's Big Score," the Planet Express crew is back to mend the tear in reality, or (hopefully) at least not make it worse. Beyond the tear, though, lurks a being of inconceivable...tentacularity. What will become of Earth, and indeed, our universe, when faced with the Beast with a Billion Backs?

Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"

Producer

2012

Maggie must navigate an eventful first day in daycare. At the Ayn Rand School for Tots, Maggie is diagnosed with average intelligence. Barred from the gifted children, she longs to escape from her glue-guzzling classmates. But when a lonely caterpillar befriends her, she makes it her mission to save it from a ruthless butterfly smashing toddler.

Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder

Original Series Creator

2009

Leela becomes an outlaw when she and a group of ecologically-minded feminists attempt to save an asteroid of primitive life forms and the Violet Dwarf star from being destroyed, while Fry joins a secret society and attempts to stop a mysterious species known as the "Dark Ones" from destroying all life in the universe.

Futurama: Bender's Game

Executive Producer

2008

When Leela is insulted by a group of space-rednecks (like regular rednecks, but in space) she enters the Planet Express ship in a demolition derby. She emerges victorious, but when she brings the damaged ship home and the Professor sees the fuel gauge, he's enraged by the hit he's going to take at the Dark Matter pump. Now the crew have to find a way to break Mom's stranglehold on starship fuel, even if they have to wade through a Lord of the Rings-inspired fantasy-land to do it!