Who Voices Herbert Powell In The Simpsons: Uncovering The Man Behind Homer's Half-Brother

Have you ever wondered about the faces and voices behind your favorite animated characters? It's pretty amazing, really, how some performances stick with you. For fans of The Simpsons, there are countless memorable personalities, and one that often sparks curiosity is Herbert Powell, Homer's long-lost half-brother. His story is, you know, a bit of a rollercoaster, and his voice, well, it's just as distinct. People often ask, so, who voices Herbert Powell in The Simpsons? We're going to talk about that very thing right now, uncovering the talented individual who brought this unique character to life.

Herbert Powell, affectionately known as Herb, holds a special place in the show's history. He's a character who appears somewhat rarely, but each time he does, it makes a significant impact on the Simpson family's world. His connection to Homer is, in a way, both surprising and deeply felt by viewers. The voice behind him needed to convey a mix of sophistication, a touch of vulnerability, and, at times, sheer exasperation, especially when dealing with Homer's particular brand of chaos. This role, it turns out, went to someone quite famous.

The choice for Herb's voice actor was, frankly, a stroke of genius, bringing a certain star power to the animated series during a really important period for the popular television show. It was a time when The Simpsons was, arguably, cementing its place as a cultural giant. The actor who lent his distinctive voice to Herbert Powell is a veteran of both comedy and drama, known for his unique delivery and memorable presence on screen. So, let's explore more about this character and the celebrated performer who gave him his voice.

Table of Contents

• Who is Herbert Powell? Homer's Unexpected Family Member
• The Iconic Voice Behind Herb Powell: Danny DeVito
• Danny DeVito: A Look at the Actor's Life
• Herb Powell's Memorable Appearances in The Simpsons
  • "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" (Season 2)
  • "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?" (Season 3)
  • "The Changing of the Guardian" (Season 24)
  • A Recent Return (Season 36)
• Danny DeVito's Special Contribution to The Simpsons
• The Enduring Appeal of Herbert Powell
• Frequently Asked Questions About Herb Powell

Who is Herbert Powell? Homer's Unexpected Family Member

Herbert Powell is, in a way, a character who truly adds depth to the Simpson family tree. He is Homer Simpson's half-brother, a detail that was, you know, quite a surprise when it was first revealed. His backstory is rather unique, too, as he was born illegitimately to Abe Simpson, Homer's father, and a woman who worked as a prostitute at a traveling carnival. This little piece of family history explains why Homer and Herb grew up in such different circumstances, but still share a biological link. It's a pretty interesting twist for a cartoon, really.

Despite their shared parentage, Herb and Homer's lives couldn't have been more different. Herb was adopted by the Powell family from the Shelbyville orphanage, after being left there by his biological parents, Abe Simpson and the carnival worker. He went on to become a successful and wealthy car manufacturer, building an empire that, frankly, was quite impressive. This stark contrast between Herb's refined life and Homer's more, shall we say, ordinary existence, is a big part of what makes their interactions so funny and, at times, touching. He's a character who, in some respects, highlights the varied paths family members can take.

The character of Herbert Powell first made his appearance in the fifteenth episode of the second season of The Simpsons. This episode, titled "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?", originally aired on Fox in the United States. His introduction was a pretty big deal for the show, as it expanded the Simpson family beyond the core group we knew so well. It was a moment that, you know, really showed how the show could introduce new, compelling characters who instantly felt like they belonged, even with such different backgrounds.

The Iconic Voice Behind Herb Powell: Danny DeVito

So, the big question: who voices Herbert Powell in The Simpsons? The answer is none other than the legendary American actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter, Danny DeVito. His voice is, frankly, instantly recognizable, with a distinctive gravelly quality that adds so much character to every role he takes on. DeVito, born on November 17, 1944, has had a long and very successful career in Hollywood, appearing in countless films and television shows. His involvement with The Simpsons was, arguably, a significant moment for the show.

Danny DeVito's casting as Herb Powell was, in a way, a perfect fit. His ability to convey both a certain world-weariness and a surprising amount of warmth made Herb a truly believable and sympathetic figure, despite his initial wealth and sophisticated demeanor. When Herb loses everything, DeVito's performance really captures the character's despair and later, his resilience. It's pretty amazing how much emotion an actor can convey with just their voice, and DeVito, you know, really excels at that.

His presence on the show was, in fact, quite a big deal at the time. Danny DeVito was among the very first big celebrity voices to guest on The Simpsons. This was, in some respects, a kind of winking gimmick that the show would become well-known for in later years, bringing in famous actors and personalities to lend their voices to one-off or recurring characters. DeVito's appearance set a high standard for future guest stars, and his performance as Herb Powell is still, basically, remembered fondly by fans today. It was a really smart move by the show's creators.

Danny DeVito: A Look at the Actor's Life

When we talk about the voice of Herbert Powell, we're talking about a truly accomplished performer. Danny DeVito's career is, you know, pretty extensive, spanning several decades and encompassing a wide range of roles. He's known for his work in comedies, dramas, and even as a director. It's fair to say he's made a lasting mark on entertainment. Here are some personal details about him, to give you a bit more context about the person behind Herb's voice.

DeVito's unique look and vocal delivery have, you know, always made him stand out. He has a way of making even the most outlandish characters feel grounded, which is, honestly, a real talent. His work on The Simpsons is just one example of his versatility, showing that he can bring that same level of commitment and personality to an animated role. It's pretty cool to see how actors like him can, in a way, transform into so many different characters across various mediums. He's just a really good performer, basically.

Herb Powell's Memorable Appearances in The Simpsons

Herbert Powell has, over the years, made several notable appearances on The Simpsons, each time adding a new layer to his relationship with Homer and the rest of the family. Danny DeVito returned to voice the character for each of these significant episodes. These appearances are, in some respects, highlights for many fans, showing the show's ability to revisit characters and continue their stories in fresh ways. Let's take a look at the episodes where Herb played a central part.

"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" (Season 2)

This episode, which aired as part of The Simpsons' second season, is where we first meet Herbert Powell. Homer, after learning that his father, Abe Simpson, once had a fling with a carnival worker, discovers he has a half-brother. This revelation leads Homer to search for him. He eventually finds Herb, who, you know, is a hugely successful and wealthy car manufacturer in Detroit, running Powell Motors. Herb is, frankly, delighted to finally meet his long-lost brother and embraces Homer warmly.

Herb invites Homer to live with him in luxury and even gives him the chance to design his own car. Homer, with his usual lack of foresight, creates a bizarre and impractical vehicle that, basically, bankrupts Powell Motors. This leads to Herb losing his entire fortune and, in a way, becoming homeless. He leaves Springfield feeling pretty bitter towards Homer, blaming him for his financial ruin. It's a rather dramatic first meeting, really, and sets up their complicated relationship. Danny DeVito's voice acting here captures Herb's initial joy, then his utter despair, just perfectly.

"Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?" (Season 3)

Herb Powell makes his return in the third season episode, "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?". This time, Herb is, in a way, down on his luck, living on the streets after losing everything because of Homer's disastrous car design. Homer, feeling guilty about what happened, decides to help his brother. Homer has just won the Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence, which comes with a prize of $2,000. He, you know, gives this money to Herb, hoping it will help him get back on his feet.

With the money, Herb decides to invent a new product, something that will, hopefully, be useful and successful. He develops a baby translator, a device that can, basically, interpret a baby's babbling into understandable words. This invention becomes a huge hit, making Herb rich once again. He, in some respects, regains his fortune and, you know, reconciles with Homer, finally forgiving him for the earlier mishap. This episode really shows Herb's resilience and, arguably, his cleverness, and DeVito's performance captures his renewed hope.

"The Changing of the Guardian" (Season 24)

Herbert Powell makes another appearance much later in the series, in the season 24 episode titled "The Changing of the Guardian." This episode sees Homer and Marge looking for new legal guardians for their children, should anything happen to them. They, you know, consider various family members and friends. Herb is among those they consider, which shows that despite their past ups and downs, he's still a part of their extended family. It's pretty interesting how the show brings back these characters after such long breaks.

While Herb doesn't play as central a role in this episode as he did in his first two appearances, his presence is, in a way, a nice nod to the show's long history. It reminds viewers of the rich tapestry of characters who have, you know, passed through Springfield over the decades. Danny DeVito's voice is, of course, still there, lending that familiar sound to Herb. It's a brief but welcome return for a character who, arguably, means a lot to the family's story.

A Recent Return (Season 36)

It's worth noting that Herbert Powell has made an even more recent appearance. My text indicates that Danny DeVito voiced Herbert Powell in a Season 36 episode. This shows that the character, and DeVito's contribution, continue to be valued by the show's creators, even decades after his initial introduction. For fans who, you know, have followed The Simpsons for a long time, seeing Herb pop up again is always a pleasant surprise. It's pretty cool that they keep bringing back these beloved, if somewhat infrequent, characters. This latest appearance, as of June 2024, shows the character's enduring appeal.

Danny DeVito's Special Contribution to The Simpsons

Danny DeVito's involvement with The Simpsons goes beyond just voicing a character; it, in some respects, helped set a precedent for the show. As mentioned earlier, DeVito was among the very first big celebrity voices to guest on the show. Before him, most of the voices were provided by the core cast members like Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Dan Castellaneta (Homer), and Julie Kavner (Marge), who, you know, are incredibly talented at doing many different voices themselves. Bringing in a star of DeVito's caliber was, arguably, a pretty bold move at the time.

This decision to feature well-known actors as guest voices became, basically, a signature element of The Simpsons. It was, in a way, a "winking gimmick" that added another layer of appeal for viewers. Fans would, you know, often try to guess which celebrity was voicing a new character, or look forward to seeing famous faces pop up in animated form. DeVito's performance as Herb Powell was, honestly, so strong and memorable that it proved this approach could truly work, adding genuine value to the show rather than just being a novelty. It really showed what was possible.

His portrayal of Herb was, too, very effective because he brought a real sense of humanity to the character. Herb's journey from immense wealth to destitution and back again required a voice actor who could handle that range of emotions. Danny DeVito, with his vast experience, was, basically, perfectly suited for this. He gave Herb a voice that was both distinct and, you know, deeply expressive, making him more than just a one-off joke. He made Herb a character we could, in a way, truly care about, which is a big deal for a guest spot.

The Enduring Appeal of Herbert Powell

Herbert Powell, despite his relatively few appearances, remains a truly memorable character for fans of The Simpsons. His story arc, from his initial wealth to his dramatic fall and eventual return to success, is, frankly, quite compelling. He represents a part of Homer's family that is, in some respects, very different from the everyday life in Springfield, offering a glimpse into a more sophisticated, albeit sometimes chaotic, world. The dynamic between him and Homer is, you know, always interesting to watch, full of both brotherly affection and, arguably, a little bit of resentment.

The fact that Danny DeVito voices Herbert Powell is, of course, a huge part of his lasting appeal. DeVito's unique vocal performance imbues Herb with a personality that is both distinct and, you know, instantly recognizable. It's hard to imagine anyone else in the role, really. His appearances are, basically, always anticipated by fans because they know they're in for a good story and, frankly, a great performance. Learn more about The Simpsons on our site, and link to this page Herb Powell's Memorable Appearances.

Herb's story also, in a way, reflects some broader themes within The Simpsons, such as family ties, the impact of choices, and the idea of second chances. His journey is, you know, a pretty good example of how the show can tell stories that are both funny and, in some respects, quite poignant. The character's continued presence, even in later seasons like Season 36, shows that his story is far from over and that his connection to the Simpson family is, apparently, still important. He's just a really well-loved character, basically.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herb Powell

People often have questions about Herbert Powell, especially given his unique role in The Simpsons. Here are some common inquiries:

Is Herbert Powell related to Homer Simpson?

Yes, absolutely. Herbert Powell is, in a way, Homer Simpson's half-brother. They share the same father, Abe Simpson. Herb was born illegitimately to Abe and a woman Abe met at a traveling carnival. This familial connection is, you know, a central part of their story in the show. So, yes, they are, basically, family.

What episodes did Danny DeVito voice Herb Powell?

Danny DeVito has voiced Herbert Powell in several notable episodes. His first appearance was in the Season 2 episode, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?". He returned in the Season 3 episode, "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?". Later, he voiced Herb again in the Season 24 episode, "The Changing of the Guardian." And, you know, he also lent his voice to Herb in a recent Season 36 episode, showing his continued involvement with the character.

Was Danny DeVito one of the first celebrity guest voices on The Simpsons?

Yes, in fact, Danny DeVito was among the very first big celebrity voices to guest on The Simpsons. His appearance as Herbert Powell was, in some respects, a pioneering moment for the show's use of famous guest stars. This became, you know, a kind of winking gimmick that the show would become well-known for, bringing in a variety of well-known personalities to voice characters. He really helped set that trend, basically.