In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Nancy Cartwright goes fully “behind the yellow curtain” to answer fan questions about The Simpsons, voice acting, and the real-life mischief that shaped Bart Simpson.

Nancy reveals how she accidentally became Bart: originally called in to audition for Lisa, she spotted the description of “10-year-old, school-hating underachiever and proud of it” and instantly knew that was her character. One bold ask later, Bart’s now-iconic voice was born on the spot in front of Matt Groening.

From there, Nancy dives into her early days on the speech team, discovering she could create characters, win trophies, and literally pay for college with her voice. She shares a hilariously “very Bart” story about getting busted for writing something awful on a school bathroom stall in brown marker—and the painfully creative punishment that followed.

Fans also get rare behind-the-scenes insights, including:

How she combined Ralph Wiggum and Nelson Muntz to build new characters

Why Nelson is the biggest vocal “throat ripper” to perform

How multi-character scenes with Bart, Rod, Todd, and Ralph pushed her early in the series

The secret reason some couch gags run extra long

What it was really like working with Michael Jackson on “Do the Bartman” and the “Happy Birthday Lisa” song

Nancy also talks about Bartmania, early anonymity, her first big voice job as Gloria on Richie Rich, the mentorship of voice legend Daws Butler, and why the show’s integrity and emotional center—especially Lisa as the moral compass—are a huge part of The Simpsons’ long-term success.

Packed with stories, confessions, and fan-favorite lore, this AMA is a must-listen for anyone who loves Bart, animation, or the craft of voice acting.

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