Gollum in Pop Culture: A Journey Through Time

Andy Serkis's portrayal of Gollum in Peter Jackson's film trilogy adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has become iconic in popular culture. His ability to bring the character to life with his voice and physical performance has made Gollum a memorable figure in many people's minds. In fact, Serkis's work as Gollum has been so influential that it has even made its way into other forms of media, including television shows.

One such example is The Simpsons, an American animated sitcom that has been on the air for over three decades. In several episodes, references to The Lord of the Rings have appeared, often in humorous and unexpected ways. For instance, in one episode, Bart Simpson's friend Cleanie is voiced by none other than Andy Serkis himself.

In another episode, Principal Skinner, who is allergic to peanuts, is forced to go into an Android's Dungeon and breastfeed a Bilbo Baggins toy that is on display in the window. The scene is a nod to Tolkien's famous hobbit character, who appears in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Lisa Simpson and her brother Bart also build a fort out of cardboard boxes, which serves as a clever reference to the iconic Shire scenes from the film trilogy. Meanwhile, Sideshow Bob, one of the show's recurring villains, is depicted smoking a pipe, much like the pipe-smoking hobbit that appears in The Lord of the Rings.

Perhaps most interestingly, Leanie, a character from the episode 'Gypsy and Leprechaun's Wedding,' is shown to have a fascination with Gollum. In one scene, she cuddles up with dirty dishes, cooing about how they are her 'precious,' just like Gollum does with his treasured ring in The Lord of the Rings.

These references may seem subtle at first glance, but they demonstrate the enduring impact of J.R.R. Tolkien's work on popular culture. Whether it's through film adaptations or clever nods in television shows, The Lord of the Rings continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

In conclusion, Gollum's journey from Middle-earth to The Simpsons serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien's work. From Andy Serkis's iconic performance to the clever references in The Simpsons, Gollum continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of fans.

Gollum in Lord of the Rings wiki