12 Greatest One-Off Simpsons Characters

There are elements of “Homer’s Phobia” that don’t stand up too well to modern scrutiny. It’s a well meaning episode, with Homer and his intolerance the butt of the joke throughout, but it undeniably leans on some hoary, even offensive depictions of gay characters for cheap laughs.

This doesn’t apply, however, to John, the proprietor of an offbeat tat shop around whom the episode revolves. Voiced by, and modelled on, outre writer/director John Waters, John does embody a number of cliches, but there’s far more to his character than his sexuality. He’s a delightful presence in The Simpsons, delivering witty asides and befriending Bart before an unusually vociferous Homer demonstrates a surprising level of intolerance.

While John is present to make a point in the episode, he’s no strawman or token offering. He is given a great deal of character to work with, and Waters’ effortless voicework makes for one of the best guest performances in the show’s history.

Indeed he’s among the most well rounded characters the show has created in general, despite only getting one episode in the spotlight.