Reclusive ‘Simpsons’ writer John Swartzwelder gives rare interview

Homer and Bart may be among the most widely known characters from “The Simpsons” — but tucked in the background, and far from the spotlight, is one writer in particular.

John Swartzwelder, the famously reclusive writer who worked for the Fox show between 1989 and 2003, has opened up in a rare interview with The New Yorker. Swartzwelder discussed writing 59 episodes during that time — the most of any writer in the show’s history — including famous ones, such as “Homer at the Bat” and “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge.” Thanks to his work on a small comedy zine named Army Man in the late 1980s, Swartzwelder got himself a job interview with “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and its producer and writer Sam Simon. But Swartzwelder wasn’t hired to be on staff until after he’d written three episodes, simply because the show didn’t have enough money to pay writers full-time. Now, “The Simpsons” is fresh off its 700th episode, with the budget and influence to match its longevity — see: the show’s upcoming “Star Wars” crossover.