Duffman
Barry Duffman
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Character Information
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Duffman, named Barry, Larry, Joel and Sid in separate episodes, voiced by Hank Azaria, is the mascot and spokesman for the fictional Duff Beer company in The Simpsons. He first appeared in the episode The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson. Within the series, he is a fictional character played by several people, and sometimes simultaneously.
Religion
Duffman obviously prefers not to afflitiate himself with something. In Co-Dependant's Day, for example, he said he was Jewish. However, in the same episode he supported Hitler's Reich. He also believes that Jesus is the ultimate role model for people, as in one episode he asks himself "What would Jesus do?".
Catchphrase
Duffman speaks in the third person, often saying "Duffman is {insert any action}. Oh yeah!", accompanied by pelvic thrusts. He has written a world record book and often bursts into Moe's Tavern to advertise Duff.
Other Guys
Sometimes there are more than one Duffman.
Death
Although Newsweek once reported that Duffman died of liver failure, he continues to work for Duff because "Duffman can never die; only the actors who play him." Duffman was also shot by Frank Grimes Jr., although whether the wound was fatal is uncertain. Another Duffman was possibly killed in a blimp crash during a football game; it was then revealed that there were three Duffmen working the game that night.
Appearance
He is an athletic and smooth-talking corporate personality who wears blue and red tights, a red cape, white gloves, and the Duff logo emblazoned across his chest. The costume - featuring a red hat, dark sunglasses, and a "utility belt" of beer cans around his waist - is designed to create awareness of Duff. Duffman is generally known for his overly enthusiastic speech in which he refers to himself in the third person, complete with dramatic pauses and ending with a suggestive "Oh, yeah!" and pelvic thrusts. His theme song which plays at every corporate-sponsored appearance is "Oh Yeah" by Yello.
Duffman continues to visit local establishments, such as Moe's Tavern, in order to conduct the Duff Trivia Challenge. Homer could have won a lifetime supply of Duff but his jaw was wired shut and he was unable to answer Duffman's question [1]. If a "chug monkey" sends in 10,000 Duff labels to the company, Duffman will visit their favorite bar, along with the Duff Party Mobile in order to party down. Duffman also supports the designated driver program. Duffman has said he is Jewish.
Creation
Duffman is based on Budweiser's former mascot Bud Man. Duffman's catchphrase comes from the song "Oh Yeah", which the producers say became extremely popular after Ferris Bueller's Day Off and many advertisers started using it. As a result, the writers felt that the song and phrase "Oh yeah!" would be suitable for Duffman. Duffman's thrusts were first acted out by Brad Bird.[2]
Sexuality
It has been implied that the current Duffman is bisexual. When Homer becomes a tabloid journalist, Duffman is spotted at a restaurant with a female companion, to which Bart shockingly replies that he (Duffman) was supposed to be in a committed, monagmous, gay relationship.
- ↑ Season 13 episode "Jaws Wired Shut"
- ↑ Mentioned in the audio commentary for "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson".
