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'Simpsons' creator: Real Springfield is in Oregon

KNKX Public Radio | By The Associated Press
Published April 10, 2012 at 2:02 PM PDT
Matt Groening, creator of the animated series "The Simpsons," poses with his character creations Bart Simpson, left, and Homer Simpson earlier this year.
The Associated Press
Matt Groening, creator of the animated series "The Simpsons," poses with his character creations Bart Simpson, left, and Homer Simpson earlier this year.

PORTLAND, Ore. — One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been unmasked when "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening revealed the Springfield in Oregon as the basis for the hometown of his characters.

The admission came in aninterview with Smithsonian Magazine that was published online Tuesday.

Groening says he was inspired by the televisions show "Father Knows Best," which took place in a place called Springfield. Springfield, Ore., is 100 miles south of Groening's hometown of Portland.

Groening says he has long given fake answers when asked about the Simpsons' hometown.

The show has made a running joke of hiding the true Springfield's location. In one episode, daughter Lisa points to Springfield on a map, but the animated "camera view" is blocked by son Bart's head.

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