2. Dustin Hoffman As Mr. Bergstrom In "Lisa's Substitute"
When Miss Hoover comes down with a case of (psychosomatic) Lyme disease, a substitute by the name of Mr. Bergstrom rolls into town and turns Lisa's world upside-down. The charismatic, engaging Bergstrom makes class fun for the gifted Simpson child, and she responds by falling in love with him. In the end, though, just like all substitute teachers, Mr. Bergstrom has to leave town. Lisa is crushed, and runs to the train station to meet the man who taught her "that life is worth living." She can't stop him from leaving, but he gives her a note that reads "You are Lisa Simpson." Dustin Hoffman -- credited as "Sam Etic" -- is perfect as Mr. Bergstrom. His soft, assuring voice is a source of stability in Lisa's silent scream of a life, and the way he commits to his teaching (crying during
Charlotte's Web, for instance) makes him the teacher we all wish we had growing up -- someone who could instill in us a love of learning and a love for humanity.
Best line: "I'm Mr. Bergstrom. Feel free to make fun of my name if you want. Two suggestions are 'Mr. Nerdstrom' and 'Mr. Boogerstrom.'"