The Simpsons: 10 One-Off Characters Voiced By Hank Azaria

By Adam Woolhouse /

1. Frank Grimes

Appearance: "Homer's Enemy," Season 8. A study in "what if Homer Simpson was a real person," Frank Grimes was the ultimate everyman: he had to work hard and save every day, and barely scraped by- living in an apartment above a bowling alley and below another bowling alley- whereas Homer Simpson never worked hard, had everything handed to him, and lived (comparatively) like a king. Grimes' appearance was meant to show that- in real life- Homer's way of living is dangerous to everyone around him and himself, and- unfortunately- sometime the just human being simply cannot win. Outside of special guests, no other one-time character has had the time and story devoted to them as Frank Grimes. From his backstory- he delivered toys to other children while a child himself, was nearly killed in a silo explosion, and had to relearn how to walk and feel pain- to his obsession with showing Homer's faults to others at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Grimes was the main subject of "Homer's Enemy," and- though he was only seen in one episode- his tombstone is shown anytime the Simpsons go back to the graveyard. And his illegitimate son, Frank Grimes, Jr., once tried to kill him. Funniest Moment: Grimey's (as he liked to be called, according to Homer) final moments, just after completely losing it. Grimes: "Oh, I, I can't stand it any longer. This whole plant is insane. Insane, I tell you! Daahh! Aaah! I can be lazy too! Look at me, I am a worthless employee, just like Homer Simpson! Give me a promotion! Ooh, I eat like a slob, but nobody minds! I'm peeing on the seat. Give me a raise! Now I'm returning to work without washing my hands. But it doesn't matter, because I'm Homer Simpson! I don't need to do my work, 'cause someone else will do it for me. D'oh! D'oh! D'oh!" Homer: "Hey, you okay, Grimey?" Grimes: "I'm better than okay. I'm Homer Simpson!"Homer:"You wish." Grimes: "Oh, hi, Mr. Burns. I'm the worst worker in the world. Time to go home to my mansion and eat my lobster. What's this? 'Extremely High Voltage.' Well, I don't need safety gloves, because I'm Homer Simp!" There are several I missed. Goose Gladwell, the Willy-Wonka-like novelty vendor. Grandpa van Houten, who just won a chili cook-off in Beaumont, TX. Burly of Burly Paper Towels. Any of your favorites you feel belong on the list?