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Matt Groening (C), creator of The Simpsons, poses with characters from the show (L-R) Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge and Maggie at the 20th anniversary party for the television series at Barker hangar in Santa Monica, California October 18, 2009. [Agencies]
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SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Forget red.
The arrivals-line carpet leading into Barker Hangar was yellow — appropriate, given the night's honorees: Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge and Maggie Simpson, all on hand to celebrate 20 years of "The Simpsons." Their series is the longest-running American sitcom, the longest-running American animated program, and it recently surpassed "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running American primetime scripted entertainment program.
"You know, it's really weird," noted Simpsons creator and series executive producer Matt Groening. "I mean, I thought the show would be successful. But the fact that we're still standing here some 20 years later and talking about it is very peculiar. But very happy."
Brace yourself for another "Simpsons" milestone, as matriarch Marge Simpson appears on the cover of November's Playboy, as well as in a three-page spread for the adult magazine.
The carpet was crammed with guest stars who've lent their voices to "Simpsons" episodes, including Robert Englund, the actor best known for playing Freddy Kreuger in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" movies, and one who appears eager to see more of Mrs. Simpson. "Marge is hot — big hair and all," he confessed. "And I've loved (actor) Julie Kavner (who supplies the voice of Marge) since 'Rhoda.' So, I'm glad some manifestation of her is getting to finally show it off."