Ralph Wiggum
Ralph Wiggum[1] is a recurring character in the animated series The Simpsons. He is voiced by Nancy Cartwright.[2] Ralph is characterized largely by his frequent non-sequiturs which range from nonsensical and bizarre to profound. His dim-witted behavior lends him an air of blissful ignorance.
For the Bloodhound Gang song, see Hefty Fine.Ralph Wiggum
- "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"
- December 17, 1989
Matt Groening
Male
- Student at Springfield Elementary School
- Future Police Chief of Springfield
- 2008 US Presidential candidate with bi-partisan endorsement
- Chief Wiggum (father)
- Sarah Wiggum (mother)
- Iggy Wiggum (grandfather)
The creator of the show, Matt Groening, has cited Ralph as his favorite character.[3] He generally remains one of the more popular and often quoted secondary characters in the show. In 2006, IGN ranked Ralph No. 3 on their list of the "Top 25 Simpsons Peripheral Characters," behind Sideshow Bob and Troy McClure.[4]
Creation and design[edit]
Ralph was named after comedian Jackie Gleason's character on The Honeymooners Ralph Kramden.[10][11] Ralph's first credited appearance in the show was in the episode "Moaning Lisa", where he was considerably different in appearance and behavior. Ralph's modern design first appeared in the second-season episode "Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment". Early Ralph spoke with a voice similar to that of Nelson Muntz's until Cartwright settled into his higher-pitched whine. Originally intended to be a "Mini-Homer," Ralph eventually took on a life of his own.[12][11] The staff later retconned Ralph into the son of Chief Wiggum, a fact initially hinted at in "Kamp Krusty" and later made canon in "I Love Lisa".[13] Groening considers Ralph "really hard to write."[13]
Ralph's normal attire usually consists of a blue long-sleeve shirt with a collar, a belt with a red buckle, and brown pants. However, almost all Simpsons-related media and merchandise, portray Ralph with white or light gray colored pants. Ralph's hair is meant to evoke a bowl-cut style.[14] In one particular issue of the comic book, Ralph is drawn in a realistic style, depicted with blonde hair.[15] Adult Ralph in "Bart to the Future" has light brown hair.
Reception[edit]
Ralph has become one of the show's most popular characters. He is commonly featured on media and merchandise related to the show, including the season 13 home media box set. Kidrobot released Ralph as a separate figure from the rest of their Simpsons line of figurines in 2009. The figure is twice as large as the others. The comedy band The Bloodhound Gang made a song titled "Ralph Wiggum" on the album Hefty Fine, dedicated to the character and composed solely of some of his most famous quotes for lyrics. Show creator Matt Groening has stated that writers will most likely take credit for Ralph when someone asks who writes specific characters, which is a common misconception about the writing process.[16]