The Evolution of Gay TV Characters

Waylon Smithers (Harry Shearer), "The Simpsons" (1989)

It was the former executive producer of "The Simpsons," Sam Simon, who first came up with the notion of making Mr. Burns's right-hand man, Waylon Smithers, gay. He reportedly told the writing staff to keep it in mind but to never blatantly call it out. From there, a long string of double-entendres has ensued for the last 23 years.

Smithers has never actually come out of any closet at the ... more 

Waylon Smithers (Harry Shearer), "The Simpsons" (1989)

It was the former executive producer of "The Simpsons," Sam Simon, who first came up with the notion of making Mr. Burns's right-hand man, Waylon Smithers, gay. He reportedly told the writing staff to keep it in mind but to never blatantly call it out. From there, a long string of double-entendres has ensued for the last 23 years.

Smithers has never actually come out of any closet at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, but there have been tips that many believe are not-so-subtle hints that he's more than just a "Burns-sexual," as some show staff members call him. He's been known to take vacations at male-only resorts, and some see his penchant for musicals, such as "Guys and Dolls," and his pink-bathrobe ironing outfit to be nods to his orientation.

It's his deep-seated loyalty and overzealous affection for his longtime boss, though, that have had "Simpsons" fans' tongues wagging for decades. He even planted a big wet one on Mr. Burns when they thought the world was coming to an end, which he ultimately shrugged off as "merely a sign of my respect." less