Mark Zuckerberg played himself in an episode of The Simpsons.
The Facebook founder made a memorable guest appearance in the animated series, lending his own voice to his cartoon counterpart. This notable cameo solidified his status as a prominent cultural figure at the time of the episode's release.
Zuckerberg's Appearance in "Loan-a Lisa"
Mark Zuckerberg appeared in the The Simpsons episode titled "Loan-a Lisa," which aired on May 2, 2010, as part of the show's twenty-first season. In the episode, Lisa Simpson attempts to start a micro-lending organization and finds herself attending a "Youth Entrepreneur Convention." It is there that she encounters Mark Zuckerberg, who offers her some insights and encouragement regarding her ventures. His role was primarily to inspire Lisa and reinforce the themes of entrepreneurship and social networking present in the storyline.
His appearance is a prime example of The Simpsons' long-standing tradition of featuring real-life celebrities, musicians, and public figures who often voice themselves, adding a unique blend of humor and contemporary relevance to the beloved show. This practice allows for a direct interaction between the animated world of Springfield and real-world personalities.
Character and Voice Actor Breakdown
For clarity, here's a quick look at Zuckerberg's role in the episode:
| Character | Performer | Episode | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Zuckerberg | Mark Zuckerberg | "Loan-a Lisa" | May 2, 2010 |
The Simpsons' Legacy of Self-Voicing Guest Stars
The Simpsons is renowned for its extensive list of guest stars, many of whom have voiced themselves. This tradition highlights the show's cultural impact and its ability to attract high-profile figures. Zuckerberg's appearance fits perfectly into this pattern, showcasing his persona as a young, innovative entrepreneur directly to the audience through the animated medium.
Some other notable real-life figures who have voiced themselves in The Simpsons include:
- Stephen Hawking: The late theoretical physicist appeared multiple times, often interacting with Homer.
- Elon Musk: The founder of SpaceX and Tesla, who also voiced himself in a later season episode.
- Buzz Aldrin: The famous astronaut, known for being the second man to walk on the moon.
- Leonard Nimoy: The iconic actor best known for playing Spock, who appeared as himself and also as a character in various episodes.
These self-referential cameos are a staple of The Simpsons' humor, allowing for sharp satirical commentary and a dynamic blend of fiction and reality. For more details on the episode, you can visit the IMDb page for "Loan-a Lisa".
