Mr. Burns

This article is about the Simpsons character. For the play featuring the character, see Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play. For people with the surname, see Burns (surname). For other uses, see Burns (disambiguation).
Mr. Burns
The Simpsons character
First appearance
Created byMatt Groening
David Silverman
George Meyer
Based on
Designed byMatt Groening
Voiced by
In-universe information
Full nameCharles Montgomery Plantagenet Schicklgruber Burns
GenderMale
OccupationOwner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant
Family
  • Clifford Burns (father)
  • Daphne Charles (mother)
  • George Burns (brother)
  • Colonel Wainwright Montgomery Burns (paternal grandfather; adoptive father)
SpousePersephone Odair (ex-wife)
ChildrenLarry Burns (son)
RelativesEvelyn Burns (paternal grandmother)
Doreena Burns (paternal aunt)
Jean-Claude Charles (maternal grandfather)
Ophelia Charles (maternal grandmother)
NationalityAmerican
Age81–120[1][2]

Charles Montgomery Plantagenet Schicklgruber "Monty" Burns,[3][4] usually referred to as Mr. Burns or C. Montgomery Burns, is a recurring character and antagonist in the animated television series The Simpsons, voiced initially by Christopher Collins and since by Harry Shearer. He is the mostly evil, devious, greedy, and wealthy owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and, by extension, Homer Simpson's boss. He is assisted at almost all times by Waylon Smithers, his loyal and sycophantic aide, adviser, confidant, and secret admirer. He is between 81 and 120 years old, though sometimes it is implied he is much older.[1][2]

Although originally conceived as a one-dimensional, recurring dastardly villain who might occasionally enter the Simpsons' lives and wreak some sort of havoc, Mr. Burns's popularity has led to his repeated inclusion in episodes. He is a stereotype of corporate America in his unquenchable desire to increase his own wealth and power, inability to remember his employees' names (including Homer's, despite frequent interactions—which has become a recurrent joke) and lack of concern for their safety and well-being. Reflecting on his advanced age, Mr. Burns is given to expressing dated humor, making references to Jazz Age popular culture, and aspiring to apply obsolete technology to everyday life. Conan O'Brien has called Mr. Burns his favorite character to write for, due to his arbitrarily old age and extreme wealth.

Mr. Burns's trademark expression is the word "Excellent...", muttered slowly in a low, sinister voice while steepling his fingertips. He occasionally orders Smithers to "release the hounds", so as to let his vicious guard dogs attack any intruders, enemies, or even invited guests. Mr. Burns is Springfield's richest and most-powerful citizen (and also the richest person in Springfield's state; his current net worth has been given as $1.3 billion[5] by Forbes, though it fluctuates wildly depending on the episode). He uses his power and wealth to do whatever he wants, usually without regard for consequences and without interference from the authorities. These qualities led Wizard magazine to rate him the 45th-greatest villain of all time. TV Guide named him #2 in their 2013 list of the 60 nastiest villains of all time.[6] In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked him #8 of their "40 Greatest TV Villains of All Time".[7]

  1. ^ a b Tyler, Adrienne (March 27, 2020). "The Simpsons: How Old Is Mr. Burns? Every Change To His Age Explained". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Adams, Chesley (August 27, 2022). "The Simpsons: Every Main Character & How Old They'd Be If They Aged In Real Time". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  3. ^ "Flaming Moe". The Simpsons. Season 22. Episode 11. January 16, 2011. Event occurs at 1:09. Fox. Charles Montgomery Plantagenet Schicklgruber Burns.
  4. ^ "Burns, Baby Burns". The Simpsons. Season 8. Episode 4. November 17, 1996. Event occurs at 10:21. Fox. Oh, Monty, this must be the son I've heard so much about.
  5. ^ "In Pictures: The Forbes Fictional 15". Forbes. April 14, 2010. Archived from the original on April 17, 2010.
  6. ^ Bretts, Bruce; Roush, Matt; (March 25, 2013). "Baddies to the Bone: The 60 nastiest villains of all time". TV Guide. pp. 14 – 15.
  7. ^ Collins, Sean T. (February 9, 2016). "40 Greatest TV Villains of All Time". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2016.