Editing Krusty the Clown

{{Short description|Fictional character from The Simpsons franchise}}
{{About|the character from ''[[The Simpsons]]''|the 2018 episode|Krusty the Clown (The Simpsons episode)}}
{{Redirect|Krusty}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox character
| name       = Krusty the Clown
| series     = [[The Simpsons]]
| image      = Krustytheclown.png
| first_minor = [[The Simpsons shorts#ep35|The Krusty the Clown Show]]
| first_major = [[The Tracey Ullman Show]]
| first_date = (1989)
| creator    = [[Matt Groening]]
| designer   = Matt Groening
| voice      = [[Dan Castellaneta]]
| full_name  = Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky
| gender     = Male
| occupation = Television clown, entertainer, [[Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington|Congressman]]
| family     = {{Plainlist|
* Rachel Krustofsky (mother; deceased)
* [[Hyman Krustofsky]] (father; deceased)
* [[Luke Perry]] (half-brother; deceased)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.simpsonsarchive.com/episodes/9F19.html|title=Krusty Gets Kancelled|website=simpsonsarchive.com}}</ref>}}

<!-- NB: Jack Perry should only be added if he has actually appeared in The Simpsons and this relation is part of the story -->

| children   = [[Sophie Krustofsky]] (daughter)
| spouse     = {{Plainlist|
* Holly Hippie (ex-wife)
* [[Mia Farrow]] (ex-wife)
* [[Eartha Kitt]] (ex-wife)}}
| significant_others = Princess Penelope Owsley (ex-fiancée)
| religion   = [[Judaism]]
}}
'''Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky''' ({{Langx|yi|‏הערשעל שמױקל פּינחס ירוחם קרוסטאָפֿסקי}}; {{Langx|he|הירשל שמויקל פנחס ירוחם קרוסטופסקי}}),<ref name=imdbcharprofile>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003001/ |title=Krusty the Clown (Character) from "The Simpsons" (1989) |publisher=[[IMDb]] |access-date=September 23, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TIAC">{{cite episode |title=Today I Am a Clown |episode-link=Today I Am a Clown |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Cohen, Joel H.; Kruse, Nancy |network=Fox |airdate=2003-12-07 |season=15 |number=6}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Krusty the Clown''' (sometimes spelled as '''Krusty the Klown'''), is a recurring character on the [[List of animated television series|animated television series]] ''[[The Simpsons]]''. He is voiced by [[Dan Castellaneta]]. He is the long-time [[clown]] host of [[Bart Simpson|Bart]] and [[Lisa Simpson]]'s favorite TV show, a [[variety show]] consisting of various kid-friendly [[Sketch comedy|sketches]] and often highly violent cartoons, most notably ''[[The Itchy & Scratchy Show]]''. Despite his cheery onscreen persona, Krusty is actually a cynical, burnt-out, addiction-riddled smoker who is made miserable by show business but continues on anyway. He has become one of the most frequently occurring characters outside the main [[Simpson family]] and has been the focus of many episodes, some of which also feature [[Sideshow Bob]].

Krusty was created by cartoonist [[Matt Groening]] and partially inspired by [[James H. Allen|Rusty Nails]], a television clown from Groening's hometown of [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Oregon]]. He was designed to look like [[Homer Simpson]] (also voiced by Castellaneta) with clown makeup, based on the scrapped original concept of Krusty where Bart worships a television clown who is ironically his own father that he looks down upon; the idea of Homer playing the role of Krusty would eventually be explored in the Season 6 episode, "[[Homie the Clown]]". Krusty's voice is based on [[Bob Bell (actor)|Bob Bell]], who portrayed [[WGN-TV]]'s [[Bozo the Clown]]. Krusty made his television debut on January 15, 1989, in the ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show|Tracey Ullman Show]]'' [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "The Krusty the Clown Show".

==Role in ''The Simpsons''==
Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky was born in the [[Lower East Side]] of Springfield and is the son of [[Rabbi]] [[Hyman Krustofsky]]. Very little is known about Herschel's mother, aside from her name being Rachel and that she died when Krusty was around thirteen years old. Hyman strongly opposed Krusty's wish to become a [[clown]] and make people laugh, believing that it would distract Herschel from his religion, wanting the boy to go to ''[[yeshiva]]'' instead. However, Krusty performed [[slapstick|slapstick comedy]], obscuring this from his father. However, Herschel was performing at a rabbis' convention when one joking rabbi squirted [[carbonated water|seltzer]] on him, washing off his clown makeup. When Rabbi Krustofsky discovered Herschel was the clown onstage, he disowned his son and did not speak to him for 25 years. Krusty later reconciled with his father with the assistance of Bart and Lisa Simpson.<ref name= "LFLC">{{cite episode |title=Like Father, Like Clown |episode-link=Like Father, Like Clown |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits= Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad; Lynch, Jeffrey |network=Fox |airdate=1991-10-04 |season=3 |number=6}}</ref>

It was later revealed that Krusty did not have a [[Bar and Bat Mitzvah|Bar Mitzvah]] service, because Hyman feared he would violate the sanctity of the rites by "acting up." Krusty had two adult Bar Mitzvah ceremonies: a [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood]] gala which Krusty uses to stage a comeback after his show is cancelled, then a simple ceremony intended to reconnect with his father.<ref name="TIAC"/> After leaving the Lower East Side of Springfield, Krusty started his show biz career as a street mime in [[Tupelo, Mississippi]] ([[Elvis Presley]]'s birthplace).<ref name="KGB">{{cite episode |title=Krusty Gets Busted |episode-link=Krusty Gets Busted |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad |network=Fox |airdate=1990-04-29 |season=1 |number=12}}</ref> Krusty later discovers that he has a daughter named Sophie. He had met Sophie's mother Erin when Erin was a soldier in the [[Gulf War]] and he was entertaining the troops. After spending the night together, he prevented Erin from assassinating [[Saddam Hussein]] to protect his Saddam-themed comedy act. After that, Erin started hating clowns, and she kept their daughter a secret from Krusty.<ref name="ICP">{{cite episode |title=Insane Clown Poppy |episode-link=Insane Clown Poppy |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Frink, John; Payne, Don; Anderson, Bob |network= Fox |airdate=2000-11-12 |season=12 |number=03}}</ref> Krusty and Sophie bonded over time, and while not a full-time father, he is known to acknowledge her birthdays and  occasionally references his daughter publicly.

Krusty has his own show on Channel 6 in Springfield: ''The Krusty the Clown Show'', which is aimed towards a children's audience and has many followers, including Bart Simpson.<ref name="KGK">{{cite episode |title= Krusty Gets Kancelled |episode-link= Krusty Gets Kancelled |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David |network=Fox |airdate=1993-05-13 |season=04 |number=22}}</ref> Krusty has licensed the show to dozens of countries that produce localized versions, including [[Ireland]], [[China]], [[Jamaica]], and [[Romania]] with the original version being the least popular.<ref name="YS">{{cite episode |title= Yellow Subterfuge |episode-link=Yellow Subterfuge |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits= Cohen, Joel H; Anderson, Bob |network= Fox |airdate=2013-12-08 |season=25 |number=07}}</ref> Krusty's show has gone through various phases: a clip from 1961 presents the show as a serious [[talk show]] featuring Krusty interviewing [[AFL–CIO]] president [[George Meany]] on the topic of [[collective bargaining]] agreements, while a clip from 1963 shows Krusty interviewing [[Robert Frost]], then dumping a load of snow on the poet. The show later takes a different turn, featuring [[Ravi Shankar]] as a guest<ref name="BoD">{{cite episode |title=Bart of Darkness |episode-link=Bart of Darkness |series= The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=McGrath, Dan; Reardon, Jim |network=Fox |airdate= 1994-10-04 |season=06 |number=01}}</ref> and having Krusty howl a drugged-out version of [[The Doors]]' ''[[Break On Through (To the Other Side)|Break on Through (To the Other Side)]]'' in 1973.<ref name="ILL">{{cite episode |title=I Love Lisa |episode-link=I Love Lisa |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits= Mula, Frank; Archer, Wes |network=Fox |airdate=1993-02-11 |season=04 |number=15}}</ref> By the 1980s, the show had devolved into a children's entertainment show, although in one episode Krusty provided updates on the [[1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands|1982 Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands]]. During the series, the ''Krusty the Clown Show'' is shown to be aimed almost entirely at children. It features many characters, including [[Sideshow Mel]], [[List of recurring The Simpsons characters#Mr. Teeny|Mr. Teeny]], Tina Ballerina, and [[Corporal Punishment (The Simpsons)|Corporal Punishment]].<ref name="ISM">{{cite episode |title=Itchy & Scratchy & Marge |episode-link=Itchy & Scratchy & Marge |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Swartzwelder, John; Reardon, Jim |network=Fox |airdate= 1990-12-20 |season=02 |number=09}}</ref> [[Sideshow Bob]] begins the series as Krusty's main [[sidekick]]. However, years of constant abuse lead to Bob framing Krusty for [[Armed-robbery|armed robbery]], although Bob is eventually foiled by Bart.<ref name="KGB" /> Bob is replaced by Sideshow Mel, who has remained loyal to Krusty despite being constantly abused by Krusty as well.<ref name="KGK" />

Krusty seems to retire from—and then get back into—show business repeatedly throughout his career.<ref>{{Cite web| last= Michelle |first= Kara| date=September 27, 2014|title=The Simpsons News: A Character Dies and Krusty the Clown Retires, Again| url= https://www.jubileecast.com/articles/7452/20140927/simpsons-news-character-dies-krusty-clown-retires-again.htm|access-date=1 December 2020|publisher=JubileeCast}}</ref> One of his retirements is almost made permanent due to just-[[parole]]d Sideshow Bob's latest scheme: wiring [[plastic explosive]]s to a [[hypnosis|hypnotized]] Bart and sending Bart onstage. When Krusty makes a tribute to Bob, however, Bob has a change of heart and stops Bart from fulfilling his mission. Bob and Krusty later reconcile, with Krusty exclaiming that Bob's attempts at Krusty's life make his ratings shoot through the roof.<ref name="DotJ">{{cite episode |title=Day of the Jackanapes |episode-link=Day of the Jackanapes |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits= Jean, Al; Marcantel, Michael |network= Fox |airdate=2001-02-18 |season=12 |number=13}}</ref> This reconciliation remains for the rest of the series, as Bob abandons his attempts for revenge on Krusty in favor of targeting Bart exclusively.

[[File:Krustytheclownshow.png|right|200px|thumb|Krusty finishes his show with a song.]]
Bart Simpson is one of Krusty's biggest fans. In the episode "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" he declares, "I've based my entire life on Krusty's teachings," and sleeps in a room filled with Krusty merchandise. He exposes Sideshow Bob's attempted framing, helps Krusty return to the air with a comeback special, reigniting his career,<ref name="KGK" /> and reunites Krusty with his estranged father.<ref name="LFLC" /> For his part, Krusty is usually grateful for Bart's assistance, but almost immediately forgets about it — presumably due to his excessive drinking and drug habits as well as his general conceitedness — and usually does not even remember his name the next time they encounter each other.<ref name="LFLC" /> One summer, Bart enthusiastically attends Kamp Krusty, largely because of the promise that he would get to spend his summer with Krusty. The camp turns out to be a disaster, with Krusty nowhere to be seen, as the camp is simply a franchise location to which Krusty has licensed his image. Bart keeps his hopes up by believing that Krusty will show up, but one day the camp director, Mr. Black, brings in [[Barney Gumble]] with clown makeup masquerading as Krusty. This pushes Bart over the edge. He decides that he is sick of Krusty's shoddy merchandise and takes over the camp. Krusty immediately visits the camp in hopes of ending the conflict and manages to appease Bart.<ref name="KK">{{cite episode |title=Kamp Krusty |episode-link=Kamp Krusty |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Stern, David M.; Kirkland, Mark |network=Fox |airdate=1992-09-24 |season=04 |number=01}}</ref>{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=128–129}}

Krusty is a [[Millionaire|multimillionaire]] who has amassed his fortune mostly by licensing his name and image to a variety of substandard products and services, from Krusty [[alarm clocks]] to Krusty [[crowd control barrier]]s.<ref name="HtC" /> Many of these products are potentially dangerous,<ref name="KK" /> such as Krusty's brand of [[cereal]], Krusty-O's, which in [['Round Springfield|one episode]] boasts a jagged metal Krusty-O in each box. One of many [[lawsuit]]s regarding these products is launched by Bart, who eats a jagged metal Krusty-O by mistake and has to have his [[Vermiform appendix|appendix]] removed.<ref name="RS">{{cite episode |title='Round Springfield |episode-link='Round Springfield |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Sternin, Joshua; Ventimilia, Jeffrey; Moore, Steven Dean |network=Fox |airdate=1995-04-30 |season=06 |number=22}}</ref> The "Krusty Korporation," the company responsible for Krusty's licensing, has also launched a series of disastrous promotions and business ventures, such as sponsoring the [[1984 Summer Olympics]] with a rigged promotion that backfires when the [[Soviet Union]] [[1984 Summer Olympics boycott|boycotts]] the games, causing Krusty to lose $44&nbsp;million.<ref name="LFW">{{cite episode |title=Lisa's First Word |episode-link=Lisa's First Word |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Martin, Jeff; Kirkland, Mark |network=Fox |airdate=1992-12-03 |season=04 |number=10}}</ref> In the TV series and [[List of The Simpsons comics|comic books]], Krusty is also the mascot and owner of the fast foods restaurant chain [[Krusty Burger]]. It has been shut down by the health board many times for everything from overworking employees to stapling together half-eaten burgers to make new ones,<ref name="SMWIMtS">{{cite episode |title='Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky |episode-link='Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Greaney, Dan; Grazier, Allen; Moore, Steven Dean |network=Fox |airdate=2003-03-30 |season=14 |number=14}}</ref> as well as using beef infected with [[mad cow disease]] to save money.

Krusty wastes money almost as fast as he earns it: lighting his [[cigarette]]s with [[United States one hundred-dollar bill|hundred-dollar bills]], eating [[condor]]-egg [[omelette]]s, spending huge sums on [[pornographic magazine]]s and [[call girl]]s, and losing a fortune [[gambling]] on everything from [[Horse racing|horse races]] to [[opera]]s and [[Sports betting|betting]] against the [[Harlem Globetrotters]].<ref name="HtC" />

Krusty is a hard-living entertainment veteran, sometimes depicted as a jaded, burned-out has-been, who has been down and out several times and remains addicted to [[Problem gambling|gambling]], cigarettes, [[Alcoholism|alcohol]], [[Oxycodone|Percodan]], [[Pepto-Bismol]], and [[alprazolam|Xanax]].<ref name="MSGtW">{{cite episode |title= Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington |episode-link=Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits= Swartzwelder, John; Kramer, Lance |network=Fox |airdate=2003-03-09 |season=14 |number=14}}</ref> He instantly becomes [[depression (mood)|depressed]] as soon as the cameras stop rolling;<ref name="HtC">{{cite episode |title=Homie the Clown |episode-link=Homie the Clown |series= The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David |network=Fox |airdate=1995-02-12 |season=06 |number=15}}</ref> Marge states in "[[The Sweetest Apu]]" that, "off camera, he's a desperately unhappy man." Krusty appears to have used [[cocaine]], one time emerging from a restaurant bathroom with white powder under his nose; however, he explains that he was simply researching a part for a film in which he played himself. In his book ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', author [[Chris Turner (author)|Chris Turner]] describes Krusty as "the wizened veteran, the total pro" who lives the celebrity life. He is miserable but he needs his celebrity status.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=392–394}} In "[[Bart the Fink]]," Bart inadvertently reports Krusty for [[Tax evasion|tax fraud]] to the [[Internal Revenue Service]] and, as a result, Krusty loses most of his money. Bart soon discovers that Krusty has faked his death and is living as Rory B. Bellows on a boat. Krusty declares that he is finished with the life of a celebrity and is unconvinced when Bart reminds him of his fans and his entourage.<ref name="BtF">{{cite episode |title=Bart the Fink |episode-link=Bart the Fink |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Stern, David M.; Kirkland, Mark |network=Fox |airdate= 1996-02-11 |season=07 |number=15}}</ref> Finally, Bart tells Krusty that leaving [[show business]] would mean losing his [[celebrity]] status, which convinces Krusty to return.{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=392–394}} Krusty has been described as "the consummate showman who can't bear the possibility of not being on the air and not entertaining people."<ref>{{cite video |people=Oakley, Bill |year=2002 |title=Commentary for the episode "Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming". The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

In "[[Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington]]", Bart convinces Krusty to run for [[United States Congress|Congress]] so that Krusty can introduce an airline rerouting bill and stop planes from flying over the Simpsons' house. Krusty agrees and runs on the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] ticket. Although his campaign starts off badly, Lisa suggests that he try connecting with regular families. He does so, resulting in a landslide victory. Krusty's term starts off badly, as he is completely ignored by his new, more politically savvy colleagues. With the help of the Simpsons and an [[Walter Mondale|influential doorman]], however, Krusty succeeds in passing his bill.<ref name="MSGtW"/>

His body features include a [[third nipple]], a veal-shaped [[birthmark]], and a scar on his chest as a result of having a [[pacemaker]] inserted into his heart after suffering from a [[heart attack]] on-air in 1986.<ref name= "KGB" />

In the "[[Once Upon a Time in Springfield]]", Krusty's age is revealed to be 52.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Chelsey |date=2021-06-24 |title=The Simpsons: Every Main Character & How Old They'd Be If They Aged In Real Time |url=https://www.cbr.com/the-simpsons-main-characters-real-age/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>

==Characterization==
===Creation===
[[File:Krustys first appearance.png|right|200px|thumb|Krusty in his first appearance in the ''Simpsons'' short "The Krusty the Clown Show"]]
Krusty first appeared in "The Krusty the Clown Show", one of the [[The Simpsons shorts|''Simpsons'' shorts]] from ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' that first aired on January 15, 1989.{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997 |p=15}} The character was partially inspired by TV clown "[[James H. Allen|Rusty Nails]]" whom ''The Simpsons'' creator [[Matt Groening]] and director [[Brad Bird]] watched as children while growing up in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Oregon]].<ref name="NPR">{{cite interview |last=Groening |first=Matt |subject-link=Matt Groening |interviewer=[[Terry Gross]] |title=Fresh Air |publisher=[[NPR]] |url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1476480 |location= Philadelphia |date=October 23, 2003 |access-date=June 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/james-allen-dead-simpsons-krusty-811814/ |title=James Allen, TV Personality Who Inspired Krusty the Clown on 'The Simpsons,' Dies at 87| first=Mike|last=Barnes|website=Hollywoodreporter.com|date=July 29, 2015| access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref> Groening describes Rusty Nails as being a sweet clown whose show sometimes had a Christian message, but whose name scared Groening.<ref name="KGBCom">{{cite video |people=Groening, Matt; Bird, Brad; Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace |year=2001 |title=Commentary for the episode 'Krusty Gets Busted'. The Simpsons: The Complete First Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> [[Dan Castellaneta]] based his voice characterization on [[Chicago]] television's [[Bob Bell (actor)|Bob Bell]] who had a very raspy voice and portrayed [[WGN-TV]]'s [[Bozo the Clown]] from 1960 to 1984.<ref name=tvguide>{{cite news |title=Flash! 24 Simpsons Stars Reveal Themselves |date=October 21, 2000 |work=[[TV Guide]] | first=Joe | last= Rhodes}}</ref> Krusty has been compared to an earlier incarnation named "Flunky the Late Night viewer mail clown" who had appeared on ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]''. [[Jeff Martin (writer)|Jeff Martin]], a writer on Letterman’s show, created and played the character. Martin also went on to become a writer on ''The Simpsons'' writing episodes that included Krusty.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Zinoman |first1=Jason |title=The Tears (and Fears) of a Clown |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/arts/the-tears-and-fears-of-a-clown.html |work=The New York Times |date=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Ken |title=Houstonian was the man behind Letterman's Flunky the Clown |url= https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/columnists/hoffman/article/Houstonian-was-the-man-behind-Letterman-s-Flunky-6271565.php |work= HoustonChronicle.com |date=18 May 2015}}</ref>

Many events in Krusty's life parallel those of comedian [[Jerry Lewis]], including his Jewish background, addiction to Percodan, hosting of telethons,<ref>{{cite interview |url= http://voices.yahoo.com/the-anatomy-krusty-clown-inspired-470898.html |title=The Anatomy of Krusty the Clown (or Who or What Inspired the Famous "Simpsons" Clown...and Why Clowns Get a Bad Rap) |access-date=January 29, 2012 |date=July 30, 2007 | first= Greg | last= Brian |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140729005644/http://voices.yahoo.com/the-anatomy-krusty-clown-inspired-470898.html |archive-date=July 29, 2014 }}</ref> and appearance in an adaptation of ''[[The Jazz Singer (Ford Startime)|The Jazz Singer]]''. When asked, Groening has simply noted that "[''Simpsons''] characters are collaborations between the writers, animators, and actors" without specifically confirming or denying the association.<ref>{{cite interview |url= https://www.avclub.com/matt-groening-1798209542 |title=Matt Groening |access-date=January 29, 2012 |date=April 26, 2006 | interviewer= Nathan Rabin |publisher=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>

Krusty's appearance and design is essentially that of [[Homer Simpson]] with clown makeup.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |title='Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=July 29, 2007 |date=July 26, 2007 | first=Larry | last= Carroll |publisher= MTV |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> Groening said that "The satirical [[conceit]]<!--sic, please do not "correct" this without checking the source--> that I was going for at the time was that ''The Simpsons'' was about a kid who had no respect for his father, but worshipped a clown who looked exactly like his father", a theme which became less important as the show developed.<ref name="NPR"/> One concept initially saw Krusty being revealed as Homer's secret identity but the idea was dropped for being too complex and because the writers were too busy developing the series.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.ew.com/article/2007/07/20/talking-about-simpsons |title=Talking about ''The Simpsons'' |date=July 20, 2007 |magazine= [[Entertainment Weekly]] | publisher= |access-date=April 5, 2008 }}</ref> There are two instances of the one assuming the identity of the other. In a [[Butterfinger]] commercial depicting a contest for $50,000 to find out who stole Bart's Butterfinger, a captured Homer appears to be the culprit until Maggie pulls off a mask, revealing Krusty. In the episode "[[Homie the Clown]]", Homer goes to Clown College and dresses up as—and is confused with—Krusty.

The Krusty character was originally conceived as just a normal man wearing clown makeup, but [[David Silverman (animator)|David Silverman]] noted that "at some point, we decided he looked [like a clown] all the time".<ref name= tvguide/> The producers had long discussions about whether or not Krusty would always remain in his clown makeup but eventually decided that it did not matter.<ref name="KGB"/> The writers had tried showing Krusty's real face a few times in early episodes, but decided that it did not look right, although his real face was seen in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" and "[[Like Father, Like Clown]]". Later episodes made jokes about Krusty's face. In "[[Homer's Triple Bypass]]", Krusty reveals that his "grotesque appearance" is the result of multiple heart attacks. Homer remarks that he seems fine, and Krusty replies, "This ain't makeup." In "[[Bart the Fink]]", he abandons an idea to sail away with a new identity and swims towards shore, leaving a trail of yellow makeup in his wake and his natural white face underneath. On shore, he shakes off his black hair, revealing his natural green clown hair, and removes his normal-looking fake nose to reveal his natural red bulbous clown nose underneath.<ref>{{cite video |people=Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Carrington, Michael; Silverman, David |year=2004 |title=Commentary for the episode "Homer's Triple Bypass". The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

===Development===
[[File:Dan Castellaneta 2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Dan Castellaneta]] based his voice characterization on Chicago television's [[Bob Bell (actor)|Bob Bell]].]]
The [[The Simpsons season 3|third season]] episode "[[Like Father, Like Clown]]" is the first to establish that Krusty is Jewish. Krusty's religion had not been part of the original concept, and the idea came from [[Jay Kogen]]. The episode is a parody of ''[[The Jazz Singer]]'', which is about a son with a strict religious upbringing who defies his father to become an entertainer. In order to make "Like Father, Like Clown" a full parody of ''The Jazz Singer'', the decision was made to make Krusty Jewish and have his father be a rabbi. Krusty's real last name, Krustofsky, was pitched by [[Al Jean]].<ref name= "LFLCCom">{{cite video |people= Groening, Matt; Bird, Brad; Kogen, Jay; Wolodarski, Wallace; Jean, Al; Castellaneta, Dan; Kavner, Jean |year= 2003 |title=Commentary for the episode "Like Father, Like Clown". The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> Krusty's father Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky was played by [[Jackie Mason]], who won a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance|Outstanding Voice-Over Performance]] for the episode.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php |title=Primetime Emmy Awards Advanced Search |publisher= | website= Emmys.org |access-date= April 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330160256/http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php |archive-date= March 30, 2008 }}</ref> It was established in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" that Krusty is illiterate. This was shown in subsequent episodes like "[[Itchy & Scratchy & Marge]]" but the trait was dropped after the first few seasons because it was hard for the writers to write for an illiterate character.<ref>{{cite video |people=Jean, Al |year= 2002 |title=Commentary for the episode 'Itchy & Scratchy & Marge'. The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

Krusty's design has undergone several subtle changes since the early years. For the episode "[[Homie the Clown]]", Krusty's design was permanently enhanced and he was given a different shaped mouth muzzle and permanent bags under his eyes in order to distinguish him from Homer.<ref>{{cite video |people=Groening, Matt; Mirkin, David; Silverman, David; Kirkland, Mark |year=2005 |title=Commentary for the episode 'Homie the Clown'. The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> In the episode "[[Lisa's Wedding]]", which is set fifteen years in the future, Krusty's design was significantly altered to make him look considerably older and was based on [[Groucho Marx]].<ref name= "Daniels">{{cite video |people=Daniels, Greg |year=2005 |title=The Simpsons season 6 DVD commentary for the episode 'Lisa's Wedding' |medium= DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

Krusty is a favorite character of several of the original writers, many of whom related themselves to him and wanted to write the Krusty-focused episodes. Krusty was used as a chance for show business jokes. Thus, many of Krusty's experiences and anecdotes are based on real experiences and stories heard by the writers.<ref>{{cite video |people= Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Silverman, David |year= 2004 |title=Commentary for the episode 'Krusty Gets Kancelled'. The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He was a particular favorite of [[Brad Bird]], who directed the first two Krusty episodes and always tried to animate a scene in every Krusty episode.<ref name= "LFLCCom"/>

In 1992, [[Matt Groening]] and [[James L. Brooks]] began planning a [[live-action]] spin-off from ''The Simpsons'' that revolved around Krusty and would star [[Dan Castellaneta]] as Krusty.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mangels |first= Andy |date=January 1993 |title= Hollywood Heroes |journal=[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]] |issue=17 |page= 34 |publisher=[[Wizard Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-simpsons-originally-planned-to-film-a-live-action-krusty-the-clown-spinoff/|title=The Simpsons originally planned to film a live-action Krusty the Clown spinoff| first=Bradley | last= Russell|date=April 27, 2021| website= Gamesradar.com|access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref> They pitched the series in 1994. Groening and Michael Weithorn<ref name="empire">{{cite news | first=Olly | last= Richards |title=.Life in Development Hell |page= 76 |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date= May 24, 2007 }}</ref> wrote a [[television pilot|pilot]] script  in which Krusty moved to [[Los Angeles]] and hosted his own talk show. A recurring joke throughout the script was that Krusty lived in a house on wooden stilts which were continuously being gnawed by [[North American beaver|beavers]]. Eventually, the contract negotiations fell apart, and Groening decided to stop work on the project.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/article/1999/04/15/matt-groening-tells-ew-online-about-lost-simpsons-spin |title=Send in the Clown |date=April 15, 1999 |first=Dan |last=Snierson |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher= |access-date=April 4, 2008 |archive-date=April 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409160510/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,84306,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to Groening's live-action pitch, ''Simpsons'' showrunners [[Al Jean]] and [[Mike Reiss]] planned an animated Krusty spin-off in which he would be a single father in New York City.  Supporting characters would include a prickly make-up lady and a boss resembling [[Ted Turner]]. This unsuccessful pitch was later reworked into the animated series ''[[The Critic]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |title=[[Springfield Confidential]] |date=2018 |publisher= Dey Street |location=New York |isbn= 978-0-06-274803-4 |page=209 |edition= First}}</ref>

==Promotion and reception==
Krusty has been included in many ''Simpsons'' publications, toys and other merchandise. Krusty-themed merchandise includes dolls, [[poster]]s, figurines, [[Jack-in-the-box]]es, [[Pint glass]]es, [[bobblehead|bobblehead doll]]s, [[costume]]s, and clothing such as [[T-shirt]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesimpsonsshop.resultspage.com/search?SESSID=024f30ffba16e875e234690eba8f95de&p=Q&ts=custom&w=Krusty |title=Search Results for Krusty |access-date=April 5, 2008 |publisher=The Simpsons Shop |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006150547/http://thesimpsonsshop.resultspage.com/search?SESSID=024f30ffba16e875e234690eba8f95de&p=Q&ts=custom&w=Krusty |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> [[Playmates Toys]] has made a talking evil Krusty doll, based on the one that appeared in "[[Treehouse of Horror III]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Simpsons-Evil-Krusty-Clown-doll/dp/B00005RUNA |title=Simpsons Evil Krusty the Clown doll |website=Amazon |access-date=April 14, 2008 }}</ref> In 1992, [[Acclaim Entertainment]] released the [[video game]] ''[[Krusty's Fun House]]'' for PC and home consoles. Krusty was made into an action figure, and several different versions were included as part of the ''[[World of Springfield]]'' toy line. The first, which shows Krusty in his normal clown attire with several Krusty products, was released in 2000 as part of "wave one".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0006 |title=Krusty the Clown |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=Simpsons Collectors |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074222/http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second, released in 2002 as part of "wave nine", is called "busted Krusty" and shows him in a prison and without his clown makeup, as he was seen in "Krusty Gets Busted".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0097 |title=Krusty the Clown, Busted Krusty |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=Simpsons Collectors |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074313/http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0097 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The third was released in 2003 as part of "wave thirteen" and was called "Tuxedo Krusty".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0159 |title=Krusty the Clown, Tuxedo Krusty |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=Simpsons Collectors |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074426/http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/figure.asp?fig=F0159 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Several Krusty themed play sets were also released, including a Krusty-Lu Studios<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/environment.asp?env=E0006 |title=Krusty-Lu Studios |access-date=October 27, 2007 |publisher=Simpsons Collectors |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074522/http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/environment.asp?env=E0006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Krusty Burger playset, both released in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/environment.asp?env=E0015 |title=Krusty Burger |access-date=October 27, 2007 |publisher=Simpsons Collectors |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074623/http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/wospdb/environment.asp?env=E0015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Krusty appears as a playable character in the [[toys-to-life]] video game ''[[Lego Dimensions]]'', released via a "Fun Pack" packaged with a Clown Bike accessory in November 2015. In game, his only ability is being able to spray water and all his voice lines are archive audio from Dan Castellaneta.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/11/03/lego-dimensions-wave-2/#5a49b2931e1d |last=Robertson |first=Andy |date=November 3, 2015 |title='Lego Dimensions' Wave 2 Adds Doctor Who World And Hire-able Minifigures |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=March 8, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909191932/http://www.forbes.com/ |archive-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref>

In [[The Simpsons Ride]], a [[simulator ride]] opened at [[Universal Studios Florida]] and [[Universal Studios Hollywood]] in May 2008, Krusty builds and opens a cartoon theme park called Krustyland. [[Sideshow Bob]] makes an appearance and tries to murder the Simpson family.<ref name="Official">{{cite news|url=http://www.universalorlando.com/usf_attr_simpsons.html |title=The Simpsons Ride |access-date=February 16, 2008 |publisher=[[Universal Orlando Resort|Universal Studios Orlando]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203113651/http://www.universalorlando.com/usf_attr_simpsons.html |archive-date=February 3, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SDCC 07: The Simpsons Panel |website=IGN |date=July 29, 2007 |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/808/808965p1.html |access-date=April 5, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Variety">{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/universal-launches-simpsons-ride-1117963652/ |title=Universal launches 'Simpsons' ride |author=Josef Adalian |access-date=April 23, 2007 |date=April 5, 2008 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In July 2007, convenience store chain [[7-Eleven]] converted eleven of its stores in the United States and one in Canada into [[Kwik-E-Mart]]s to celebrate the release of ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]''. Amongst the products sold were "[[Krusty-O's]]", which were made by [[MOM Brands|Malt-O-Meal]].<ref name=FOX>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/7-eleven-becomes-kwik-e-mart-for-simpsons-movie-promotion |title=7-Eleven Becomes Kwik-E-Mart for 'Simpsons Movie' Promotion |agency=Associated Press |date=July 1, 2007 |access-date=April 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704143203/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C287578%2C00.html |archive-date=July 4, 2007 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2015, Krusty had its first merchandise experience during the AW15 influence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/sep/24/simpsons-krusty-the-clown-your-key-fashion-influence-for-aw15|title=Krusty the Clown, your key fashion influence for AW15 – stylewatch|date=September 24, 2015|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref>

In 2004, [[Dan Castellaneta]] won a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance|Outstanding Voice-Over Performance]] in "[[Today I Am a Clown]]", an episode that heavily features Krusty.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/awards/emmy-speaks-for-homer-1117908929/ |title=Emmy speaks for Homer |access-date=April 4, 2008 |date=August 10, 2004 |author=Michael Schneider |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Several episodes featuring Krusty have been very well received. In 2007, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' named "[[Krusty Gets Kancelled]]" as the ninth best episode of ''The Simpsons''. John Ortved felt, "This is Krusty's best episode&nbsp;– better than the reunion with his father, or the Bar Mitzvah episode, which won an Emmy much later on. The incorporation of guest stars as themselves is topnotch, and we get to see the really dark side of Krusty's flailing showbiz career. Hollywood, television, celebrities, and fans are all beautifully skewered here."<ref>{{cite news |author=John Ortved |title=Springfield's Best |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=July 5, 2007 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/08/top10simpsons200708 |access-date=April 5, 2008}}</ref> Matt Groening cites "Krusty Gets Busted" as his ninth favorite episode<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/14/springfield-dreams/ |title=Springfield of Dreams |access-date=April 5, 2008 |date=January 14, 2000 |author=Dan Snierson |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=January 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107082335/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275114_2,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and has said that he particularly loves Castellaneta's voice work. Groening claims that he has to leave the room every time Castellaneta records as Krusty for fear of ruining the take.<ref>{{cite video |people=Groening, Matt |year=2003 |title=Commentary for the episode 'Treehouse of Horror II'. The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> ''Star News Online'' named "Krusty the Clown's hatred of children", Kamp Krusty, and Krusty's line "All these rules, I feel like I'm in a strip club" as some of the four hundred reasons why they loved ''The Simpsons''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070520%2FNEWS%2F70518023%2F0%2Fnews36 |title=400 reasons we love 'The Simpsons' |access-date=April 14, 2008 |author=Jeff Hidek |publisher=Star News Online |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928042322/http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070520%2FNEWS%2F70518023%2F0%2Fnews36 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Observer]]'' listed two Krusty products, "Krusty's Non-Toxic Kologne" and "Krusty's home pregnancy kit", as part of their list of the three hundred reasons why they loved the show.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,939751,00.html |title=300 reasons why we love The Simpsons |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=April 20, 2003 |author=Euan Ferguson |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

In 2015, ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' stated that Krusty has "arguably the most pathos of any ''Simpsons'' character not named [[Moe Szyslak]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/krusty-the-clown-tries-and-fails-to-stick-it-to-the-man-1798185252|title=Krusty The Clown tries and fails to stick it to the man|website=The A.V. Club|date=October 11, 2015 |access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref> In 2021, [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Meghan Markle]] reflected on her old memorable haircut being compared to Krusty the Clown at ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/meghan-markle-haircut-ellen-show-b1960473.html|title=Meghan Markle jokes about her 'Krusty the Clown' haircut|date=November 19, 2021|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Groening |editor1-first=Ray |editor1-last=Richmond |editor1-link=Ray Richmond |editor2-first=Antonia |editor2-last=Coffman |title=The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family |edition=1st |year=1997 |location=New York |publisher=[[HarperPerennial]] |lccn=98141857 |ol=433519M |oclc=37796735 |isbn=978-0-06-095252-5 |ref={{harvid|Richmond & Coffman|1997}}|title-link=The Simpsons episode guides#The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family }}
*{{cite book |last=Turner |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Turner (author) |title=Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation |others=Foreword by [[Douglas Coupland]]. |edition=1st |year=2004 |location=Toronto |publisher=[[Random House Canada]] |oclc=55682258 |isbn=978-0-679-31318-2|title-link=Planet Simpson }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Portal|The Simpsons|Animation|Television|Comedy|Judaism}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160229134720/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003001/ Krusty the Clown] on [[IMDb]]

{{The Simpsons}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Krusty the Clown}}
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