Fat Tony (The Simpsons)
Fat Tony is a recurring character in the animated sitcom The Simpsons. He is voiced by Joe Mantegna and first appeared in the third season episode "Bart the Murderer".[1] Fat Tony is a gangster. He is the boss of the Springfield Mafia and his henchmen are Legs, Louie, and Johnny Tightlips.
Profile
Fat Tony has been behind several of Springfield's criminal enterprises. His rackets include illegal gambling, cigarette smuggling, and bootlegging. In "The Twisted World of Marge Simpson", Homer contracted with the mafia to drive out Marge's rival snack food distributors. Fat Tony took out a hit on mayor Joe Quimby in "Mayored to the Mob" in retaliation for a raid on their rat milk facility, which Quimby opposed, as they had promised him "dog or higher". Fat Tony put out a contract on Homer after his private security business interfered with the mob's interests in "Papa's Got a Brand New Badge". Homer would have been executed gangland-style if not for Maggie coming to the rescue with her rifle. Fat Tony's son Michael is introduced in the episode "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer". The episode also reveals that Fat Tony's wife "was whacked of natural causes." Fat Tony and his associates meet in what is known as the "Legitimate Businessman's Social Club".
Character
Development
Fat Tony first appeared in the third season episode "Bart the Murderer".[1] The writers conceived the episode before the film GoodFellas, which has a similar plot, was released. However, when it did, the writers incorporated references to the film in the episode.[1] Fat Tony was modeled on GoodFellas' Paul Sorvino.[1] The appearance of Louie, one of his henchman, was based on Joe Pesci.[2]
Voice
The writers originally wanted Sheldon Leonard to voice Fat Tony. When they were unable to get him, they went with Joe Mantegna.[1] It is his longest-running role.[3] Mantegna commented, "you feel honored that they asked you to do a voice. The fact that they bring you back and keep writing for the character, it is very satisfying."[4] He insists to the producers to "not let anyone else do his noises."[1] However, Phil Hartman did fill in for Mantegna in "A Fish Called Selma".[5] Mantegna voiced Fat Tony in a scene in The Simpsons Movie that almost got cut.[6]
Reception
IGN included Fat Tony on their 2006 list of the "Top 25 Simpsons Peripheral Characters".[7] Star News Online listed Joe Mantegna as one of the 400 reasons why they love The Simpsons.[8] In 2007, Adam Finley of TV Squad called Mantegna one of the five best The Simpsons guest stars[9] and Vanity Fair called "Bart the Murderer" the eighth best episode of the show, saying, "This episode makes the cut because of the inspired Mafia satire".[10] Playmates Toys made Fat Tony into an action figure as part of the World of Springfield toy line.[11]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Jean, Al (2003). Commentary for "Bart the Murderer", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Moore, Rich (2003). Commentary for "Bart the Murderer", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Kelly, Liz (2007-05-25). "Catching Up with Joe Mantegna". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ^ Jacobs, Jay S. (2004-02-10). "joe mantegna one of us". PopEntertainment.com. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ^ Goldblum, Jeff; Oakley, Bill; Silverman, David; Weinstein, Josh (2005). Commentary for "A Fish Called Selma", in The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Anderson, Mike B.; Moore, Rich; Moore, Steven Dean; Silverman, David (2007). Director's commentary, The Simpsons Movie [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Goldman, Eric; Iverson, Dan and Brian Zoromski (September 6, 2006). "Top 25 Simpsons Peripheral Characters". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Jeff Hidek. "400 reasons we love 'The Simpsons'". Star News Online. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ Adam Finley (2006-06-20). "The Five: Great Simpsons guest stars". TV Squad. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ John Orvted (2007-07-05). "Springfield's Best". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Celebrity Series 1". The Simpsons Action Figure Information Station. Retrieved 2008-12-09.