Institute for Robert Downey Jr Studies > Research

Robert Downey Jr References on The Simpsons

The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson (4F22)
Original Airdate: 21 September 1997
Context: While visiting New York City, the Simpsons see a Broadway musical called Kickin’ It: A Musical Journey Through the Betty Ford Clinic. The design of the musical’s main character was based on Robert Downey Jr’s character in Less Than Zero (confirmed by DVD commentary).

This episode did not appear on U.S. television for many years after 2001 because the World Trade Center in New York is prominently featured in it.

Beyond Blunderdome (AABF23)
Original Airdate: 26 September 1999
Context: The Simpsons visit a Hollywood studio, and while on the lot, Marge notices something interesting off-screen.

MARGE
Look! There’s Robert Downey Jr. in a shoot-out with the police.

BART
That’s funny, I don’t see any cameras.