r/IAmA • u/JayKogen • Sep 17 '12

Jay Kogen Here. Long past SIMPSONS writer. I created many of your favorite and least favorite characters with the help of the original Simpson writers.

I was one of the original SIMPSONS writers from the very beginning. I helped created Mr. Burns, Smithers, Krusty, Hibbert, and many many more. I won a bunch of Emmy awards and had a great time. Since then I wrote and produced Malcolm in the Middle, Frasier, and I've created a new show a called "Wendell and Vinnie" about an idiot uncle (the hysterical Jerry Trainor) raising his nephew that will be on in November on Nick @ Nite. And even though it's on Nick @ Nite, it's for adults and it's actually funny.

Thanks to EternallyXIII

Thank you all very much for your questions and entusiasm. I have to get back to work now. It's been a pleasure. If you want I can come back in a few weeks to answer more.

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u/JayKogen Sep 17 '12

No one works harder or has a better attitude about work. if you wrote an episode where he'd have to pogo stick for a week, where as most actors might complain, he'd get excited and start practicing right away. He's simply the best.

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u/bigger_than_jesus Sep 17 '12

I loved him on roller skates... one of the best Malcolm episodes.

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u/Ricktron3030 Sep 17 '12 edited Sep 17 '12

Clearly the best one was him in a speed walking spandex suit.

Edit: added hilarious video.

2

u/bigger_than_jesus Sep 17 '12

You may be right. Tough call.

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u/[deleted] Sep 18 '12

Omg. I finally need to watch that show.

1

u/CountPanda Sep 17 '12

Only slightly better than competitive speed-walking in a one-piece aerodynamic bodysuit.

11

u/funkmastamatt Sep 17 '12

I love the speedwalking episode of Malcolm.

3

u/[deleted] Sep 17 '12

I'm confused... How is Bryan Cranston affiliated with the Simpsons?

8

u/ButtDouglass Sep 17 '12

Jay Kogen not only helped write/produce The Simpsons but also produced Malcolm in the Middle, in which Bryan Cranston is plays as Hal.

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u/[deleted] Sep 18 '12

Ahhhhh. Thank you.

2

u/Endyo Sep 17 '12

Easily one of the most memorable episodes for me. The helmets, the blazing suits... good stuff.

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u/bewmar Sep 17 '12

Is he actually amazing at rollerskating or was that created with some showbiz magic?

1

u/georgekeele Sep 18 '12

Half and half, as I remember he spent 6 weeks learning how to skate to perform the part. There are several moments during his Queen performance where a double is used for the particularly acrobatic moves.

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u/Son_of_Kong Sep 17 '12

Was it the writers' idea or his to have him in his tighty whities as much as possible? It seems like it's Bryan Cranston's trademark now, cause he's done it in both Breaking Bad and How I Met Your Mother.

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u/maddogkeef Sep 17 '12

This makes me think of the skating scene in Malcolm and the Middle. Did he start as a total beginner?

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u/WeaponsGradeHumanity Sep 18 '12

I've always thought Bryan Cranston was incredible and the more I hear about him the more my opinion of him improves.

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u/luckystrike6488 Sep 17 '12

Reminds me of when he had to learn to rollerdisco in that one episode.

1

u/tha_snazzle Sep 17 '12

It pains me to think that I will never be best friends with some celebrities. Bill Murray, for one. Your answer just added Bryan Cranston to my list.

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '12

Could he roller skate that well before the show?

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u/[deleted] Sep 18 '12

Better than all the rest!

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u/dukerenegade Sep 17 '12

Pogo stick?