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Matt Groening Introduces "The Simpsons."

Cartoonist Matt Groening (pronounced GRAY-ning). He's the creator of the Simpsons, the all-too-real cartoon family featured on the Tracy Ullman Show. The Simpsons are starring in their own prime time Christmas special on the Fox network, and starting January 14th, "The Simpsons" will appear as a regular show...the first animated prime time series since "The Flintstones." Matt Groening also draws the comic strip, "Life In Hell," which appears in many alternative and college newspapers. "Life In Hell" stars Binky the sullen, buck-eyed rabbit, his girlfriend Sheeba, and his illegitimate son Bongo. The strip inspired Groening's best selling books, "Love In Hell," "Work Is Hell," "School Is Hell," and "Childhood Is Hell."

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Other segments from the episode on December 14, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 14, 1989: Interview with Ed Begley, Jr.; Review of albums by women; Interview with Matt Groening; Review of the film "Enemies, a Love Story."
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21:40

From Comic to Actor.

Actor Ed Begley, Jr. He's best known for his role as the bumbling Dr. Victor Erlich in the television show, "St. Elsewhere." Before that, he's appeared in "Spinal Tap," where he had a non-speaking role as a drummer during the "paisley period," in "The Accidental Tourist," and in "Scenes from a Class Struggle in Beverly Hills." He's also done stand-up comedy. He's starring in the new movie, "She-Devil," with Meryl Streep and Roseanne Barr.

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30:45

"The Simpsons" Airs Its 200th Episode.

The creator of the Simpsons Matt Groening talks with TV critic David Bianculli about the series. This month, TV's longest running animated series will broadcast its 200th episode. The Simpsons were first featured during episodes of the Tracey Ullman Show. The Simpsons own prime time series premiered in 1990. Groening has a new book called "The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to our Favorite Family."

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Inside the Music of "The Simpsons"

Composer Alf Clausen is the man behind the music of "The Simpsons." There's a new compliation CD of music from the animated cartoon TV series, "The Simpsons: Songs in the Key of Springfield" (Rhino).

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