The 12 Greatest Minor Characters from The Simpsons

      The Simpsons is such an excellent show that even its minor characters often surpass the lead characters of less talented series.

      Here are the top minor characters from The Simpsons that have graced Springfield since the show debuted 35 years ago.

      But First — How Do We Define a ‘Minor’ Character?

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      This classification is subjective — even secondary figures like Krusty the Clown and Principal Skinner have taken the spotlight in various episodes. They might be considered too important to fall under the "minor" category.

      For our purposes, a minor character is typically a tertiary figure. They don’t show up in every episode and usually appear in just a single scene when they do make an appearance.

      Yet, we had plenty of choices!

      Kirk Van Houten

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      Milhouse, Bart’s best friend, was introduced early in The Simpsons. He actually made his first appearance in a Butterfingers ad. Initially, Milhouse's parents were merely there as placeholders, not fully developed, as evidenced by how similar Kirk and Luann appear.

      Then came the episode "A Milhouse Divided," which revolves in part around Kirk and Luann's divorce. Kirk ended up with a race car bed and recorded the song "Can I Borrow a Feeling?"

      Suddenly, Kirk became an adult version of Milhouse, imbued with the existential dread that comes with growing up.

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      Troy McClure

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      You might recall Troy McClure from movies like Leper in the Backfield or Christmas Ape Goes to Summer Camp. He's also a character from The Simpsons, where he plays a once-famous actor now reduced to infomercials and other less distinguished jobs.

      Despite this, Troy remained enthusiastic and loved to remind everyone of his past roles.

      Normally a one-scene character, McClure did have a notable part that gave us the cherished Planet of the Apes musical.

      Following the tragic passing of Phil Hartman, who voiced Troy McClure, The Simpsons chose to retire the character out of respect.

      Agnes Skinner

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      We previously mentioned Principal Skinner as a classic secondary character, but with Seymour comes his mother, Agnes. As Skinner evolved as a character, it became part of the lore that he lives with Agnes. She is, well, quite a handful. Agnes complicates Seymour's life, but she also provides plenty of laughs.

      This elderly woman is harsh and outspoken, often with negative remarks. She is particularly tough on Seymour, and a recurring comedic motif on The Simpsons is their Norman and Mrs. Bates-like relationship.

      However, she doesn’t reserve her criticism just for her son; no one escapes the ire of Agnes Skinner.

      Superintendent Chalmers

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      Former writer Bill Oakley has described Chalmers as his favorite character. Introduced as a “straight man,” he serves as the sole rational individual in a town filled with eccentric figures. He contrasts nicely with Skinner, and together they have generated a great deal of humor.

      As time passed, Chalmers began appearing more frequently. He has even become central in a couple of episodes and has a daughter named Shauna, who shows up on occasion. Gary Chalmers has little patience with others, often justifiably so.

      Diverse comedic archetypes are crucial, especially in a show that has been running for over 30 years.

      Lunch Lady Doris

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      The stereotype of an indifferent lunch lady serving lackluster meals is well-known. Adam Sandler even wrote a whole song about it. However, The Simpsons' Lunchlady Doris (now referred to as Dora after Doris Grau, the original voice actress, passed away) is arguably the foremost example of slop served to kids.

      With a cigarette perpetually dangling from her lips, Doris shows no regard for health or nutrition.

      Horse meat, Malk, and enough grease to lube a hulking Scotsman — Doris has it all. Her distinct, deadpan voice contributes to making her a memorable, albeit minor, character.

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      Dr. Nick Riviera

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      If you need a competent doctor, you would choose Julius Hibbert. If you're looking to save money or need a questionable physician for a dubious lawsuit, Dr. Nick is your man. Though he has become less prominent in the show, he made quite an impression during his appearances. No dubious product was off-limits for him, even gravestone cleaner.

      His lack of competence didn't dampen his enthusiasm. The medical “professional” would always greet with a cheerful "Hi, everybody!" to which everyone would respond, "Hi, Dr. Nick!" Then, the medical misadventures would commence.