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A Simpson family member who hasn't been seen on The Simpsons in many years is coming back for an upcoming episode. After first guest starring on the show in 1991, Danny DeVito will be returning in the upcoming 36th season.
During the show's second season, DeVito voiced the role of Homer's long-lost brother, Herb Powell, in the classic episode, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" At San Diego Comic-Con, series writer and producer Michael Price let it slip during an interview with the Four Finger Discount podcast that DeVito would be guest-starring in the upcoming Season 36 premiere of the long-running series, titled "Bart's Birthday." Price hinted that DeVito would be playing "a character that he has previously played on the show."
While Price didn't outright say DeVito was voicing Herb, the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star has notably only voiced Homer's brother in the series, so he couldn't be returning as a different character. Given that the episode is focused on Bart's birthday, it would make sense that his uncle Herb would be popping back up for the special occasion. DeVito will be one of several big guest stars featured in the episode, with other confirmed names including Tom Hanks, John Cena, and Conan O'Brien.
Herb Powell Was First Introduced on The Simpsons in 1991
In Herb's first episode, Homer learns that his illegitimate half-brother owns a struggling car company in need of its next big idea. He puts his faith into a bizarre idea conjured by Homer, which ultimately becomes a laughingstock when it's revealed. It forces Herb to bankrupt the company and leave town on bad terms with his brother.
The following year, DeVito reprised his role as Herb for a Season 3 episode in 1993, dubbed "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?" The episode sees Herb inventing a device that can translate baby language for parents, but he needs the help of his brother and the Simpson family for research. The invention is a big success, and Herb leaves again after giving a special gift to each Simpson family member --- including a vibrating recliner for Homer.
Along with a few mentions of the character over the years, DeVito would reprise his role for a third time with a brief cameo in a Season 24 episode in 2013. In the episode, called "Changing of the Guardian," Homer and Marge decide to name a legal guardian for their children if something should happen to them. They call Herb, who tells the Simpsons that he's once again broke, causing Homer to hang up the phone in response.
The Simpsons will be returning to Fox with the premiere of Season 36 on Sept. 29, 2024. Meanwhile, past episodes featuring DeVito as Herb Powell can be streamed on Disney+.
Source: Four Finger Discount
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