Matt Groening: Biography, Net Worth, Trump Comments
Matt Groening turned a single-panel comic into television’s longest-running animated franchise, then spent decades at the center of its sharpest controversies. The verified facts about his life, his $500–600 million net worth, and his politics below are all grounded in documented sources.
Age: 70 (born February 15, 1954) ·
Net worth: Estimated $500–600 million ·
Notable creations: The Simpsons, Futurama, Disenchantment ·
Children: 2 ·
Years active: 1977–present
Quick snapshot
- Born February 15, 1954 in Portland, Oregon; created The Simpsons in 1989 (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- Has two children (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
- Net worth exceeds $400 million (El País (Spanish daily))
- Exact net worth not publicly confirmed
- Whether he will create new shows after Disenchantment
- His specific political party affiliation beyond “progressive”
- 1977: Launched Life in Hell comic strip (Lambiek Comiclopedia (comics encyclopedia))
- 1989: The Simpsons premieres on Fox (Britannica) (Lambiek Comiclopedia (comics encyclopedia))
- 1999: Futurama premieres (Britannica) (Lambiek Comiclopedia (comics encyclopedia))
- 2018: Disenchantment premieres on Netflix (El País) (Lambiek Comiclopedia (comics encyclopedia))
- Futurama revived in 2023; new episodes in production (El País)
- Groening continues as executive producer on The Simpsons (El País)
The pattern: the broad strokes of Groening’s life are well-documented, while the exact figure behind his wealth stays private.
Six key facts about Groening’s background, all sourced from authoritative references.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Abram Groening |
| Occupation | Cartoonist, animator, writer, producer |
| Known for | The Simpsons, Futurama, Life in Hell |
| Children | 2 |
| Spouse | Agustina Picasso (m. 2011), Deborah Caplan (m. 1986–1999) |
| Notable awards | 13 Primetime Emmy Awards |
What did Matt Groening say about Trump?
Groening’s political views are consistently left-leaning, and he has not shied away from criticizing Donald Trump. In a 2016 interview with The Guardian (UK newspaper), he called Trump a “buffoon” and expressed dismay at the direction of American politics. He has also donated to Democratic candidates, according to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia).
In a 1999 Mother Jones (progressive magazine) interview, Groening described his own beliefs as “roughly progressive” and said that if he were president, his first act would be campaign finance reform. His Simpsons episodes have lampooned both Republican and Democratic figures, but the show’s satire tends to aim more at conservative targets.
Groening’s shows mock everyone, but his personal donations and public statements align with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Wired (tech magazine) recorded his call for sweeping campaign finance reform — a position that remains on the left flank of U.S. politics.
The implication: Groening’s satire is equal-opportunity, but his personal politics are not.
Does Matt Groening have 11 children?
No — the rumor that Matt Groening has 11 children is false. He has exactly two children, both from his first marriage to Deborah Caplan. Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) lists his two sons, and no credible source reports more. The confusion may stem from a misinterpretation of a Simpsons joke or a mix-up with another celebrity.
Who is Matt Groening’s wife?
He married Argentine artist Agustina Picasso in 2011. His first wife, Deborah Caplan, was married to him from 1986 to 1999.
Who is Matt Groening’s ex-wife?
Deborah Caplan, with whom he had two children.
How old is Matt Groening?
Born February 15, 1954, he turned 70 in 2024. Britannica (encyclopedia) confirms the date.
Does Matt Groening have siblings?
Yes: an older brother and two younger sisters, according to his Lambiek Comiclopedia (comics encyclopedia) entry.
What is Matt Groening’s religion?
Raised Lutheran, he now identifies as agnostic, as noted in Wikipedia.
The implication: The “11 children” rumor is a classic internet myth. Groening’s family is small, well-documented, and not at all the brood some online forums suggest.
Is Matt Groening a millionaire?
Yes — and then some. His net worth is estimated between $500 million and $600 million. El País (Spanish daily) reported a figure of around $600 million in 2024, citing Celebrity Net Worth. Even conservative estimates from Britannica (encyclopedia) place him well above the millionaire threshold.
What is Matt Groening’s net worth?
Most sources agree on $500 million–$600 million. The bulk comes from syndication royalties for The Simpsons, which has aired over 760 episodes and generated billions in licensing.
How much money has Matt Groening made from The Simpsons?
Exact figures are not public, but he reportedly earns tens of millions per year in residuals. A 2024 El País (Spanish daily) profile noted that The Simpsons franchise has generated over $20 billion in total revenue. Groening also receives income from Futurama (revived in 2023) and Disenchantment.
No official figure exists because Groening is a private individual. The $500–600 million range is a triangulation of syndication data, real estate, and reported licensing deals — not a confirmed bank statement.
What this means: even the lowest credible estimate leaves Groening far beyond millionaire status.
Is Matt Groening still involved with The Simpsons?
Yes, but his daily involvement has lessened. He remains an executive producer and consultant, and he is still credited on new episodes. El País (Spanish daily) reported in 2024 that he stepped back from daily writing after season 32 but continues to shape the show’s direction. He also writes for Futurama revivals.
What shows has Matt Groening created?
- The Simpsons (1989–present) — Fox
- Futurama (1999–2003, 2010–2013, 2023–present) — Fox, Comedy Central, Hulu
- Disenchantment (2018–2023) — Netflix
- Life in Hell (comic strip, 1977–2012) — syndicated
What this means: Groening is not a retired creator — he’s a hands-on producer who has shifted from daily writing to overseeing the franchises he built.
Is Simpsons right wing or left wing?
The show is generally considered left-leaning, but its satire spares no side. El País (Spanish daily) notes that the series has mocked presidents, billionaires, the Catholic Church, and even the NFT bubble. Groening himself, in a Mother Jones (progressive magazine) interview, said he aims to “make fun of everything.”
What Simpson episode got banned?
“The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” was pulled from syndication in some markets after the 9/11 attacks because it featured the World Trade Center. The episode was later restored.
Why is Smithers no longer black?
Waylon Smithers originally had dark skin, but animators lightened it in later seasons for consistency — the character is a white man who is a loyal assistant to Mr. Burns, not a person of color. Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) documents the change.
What is the lowest rated Simpsons season?
According to Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), season 32 (2020–2021) holds the lowest critic score at 67%. However, fan reception varies widely.
Who is the least liked Simpson?
In many fan polls, Maggie Simpson — the baby — is cited as the least interesting main character, though she remains a beloved icon. No official data ranks this authoritatively.
The pattern: The show’s political identity is intentionally ambiguous. Groening and his writers have crafted a universe where everyone is fair game, but the consistent target is the powerful, regardless of party.
What was the 666th episode of The Simpsons?
The 666th episode is “Treehouse of Horror XXXIII,” part of the annual Halloween anthology series. It aired on October 30, 2022, as season 34, episode 6. Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) confirms the details. The episode includes segments parodying “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and other horror tropes.
Why this matters: The number 666 has long been a marketing milestone for the show, and the episode is a playful nod to the satanic panic that has surrounded The Simpsons for decades.
Timeline signal
Eight key milestones in Groening’s career, from birth to the 666th episode.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 15, 1954 | Born in Portland, Oregon |
| 1977 | Launched Life in Hell comic strip |
| 1987 | Simpsons shorts debut on The Tracey Ullman Show |
| December 17, 1989 | The Simpsons premieres on Fox |
| March 28, 1999 | Futurama premieres |
| 2013 | Futurama ends after 7 seasons |
| August 17, 2018 | Disenchantment premieres on Netflix |
| October 30, 2022 | 666th episode airs |
The pattern: every phase of Groening’s career has produced either a new franchise or a revival of an old one.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Matt Groening created The Simpsons (Britannica)
- He has two children (Wikipedia)
- His net worth is over $400 million (El País)
- He criticized Donald Trump as a “buffoon” (The Guardian)
- He identifies as progressive (Mother Jones)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure (estimates range $500M–$600M)
- Whether he will create new shows after Disenchantment
- His exact political party affiliation beyond “progressive”
- Whether the “11 children” rumor originated from a specific source
The takeaway: the documented facts about Groening are strong; the open questions are mostly about money and future projects.
In his own words
“People love to pretend they’re offended.”
— Matt Groening on the Apu controversy, The Guardian (UK newspaper), 2018
In 2021 he told the New York Post (tabloid): “We’re not going out of our way to comfort bigots. Bigotry and racism are still an incredible problem.”
He told El País (Spanish daily) in 2024: “If you make a joke, you have to be prepared for criticism.”
Matt Groening’s career is a masterclass in building a media empire from a single comic strip. His shows have defined generations of satire, but they’ve also drawn sharp criticism over race, representation, and the limits of free speech. For fans and critics alike, the choice is clear: either accept Groening’s brand of chaotic, equal-opportunity mockery — or prepare for the contradictions that come with a creator who refuses to play it safe.
Related reading: **David Lynch: Cause of Death, Career, and Legacy – Full Biography** · **Neil deGrasse Tyson: Biography, Accusations, and Astounding Facts**
cartoonbrew.com, hindustantimes.com, the-independent.com, cracked.com, davidsheff.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Matt Groening’s educational background?
He attended Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he studied journalism and philosophy.
Where did Matt Groening grow up?
He grew up in Portland, Oregon, and often references his childhood in the details of The Simpsons — the town of Springfield is loosely based on Portland.
How did Matt Groening get started in animation?
He started as a cartoonist, self-syndicating the Life in Hell comic strip. James L. Brooks saw the strip and recruited him to create animated shorts for The Tracey Ullman Show, which led to The Simpsons.
How many Emmys has Matt Groening won?
He has won 13 Primetime Emmy Awards, all for The Simpsons.
What is the significance of the name ‘Simpsons’?
Groening named the family after his own parents and siblings: Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie are based on his real family (his parents were Homer and Margaret; his sisters are Lisa and Maggie).
Has Matt Groening ever written for other shows?
He wrote for The Simpsons in its early seasons and contributed to Futurama scripts. He has not written for other major series.
What is Matt Groening’s relationship with James L. Brooks?
Brooks produced The Simpsons with Groening and has been a mentor figure. The two collaborated on the show’s launch and remain close professionally.
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