Opal
Opal
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Character Information
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Opal is the host of The Opal Show, her talk show.
Biography
On her show, Opal frequently mentions a boyfriend named "Straightman", and one or both of them apparently has some commitment issues. When Marge Simpson appeared as a guest (being interviewed about her women-only gym Shapes), she asked when Straightman was going to pop the question. Opal hemmed and hawed for several seconds. Then, as a diversionary tactic, she announced a massive prize giveaway where each person in the studio audience would receive a German cuckoo clock.[1]
Behind the Laughter
Opal is voiced by Tress MacNeille, and first appeared in Season 18's "Ice Cream of Margie (with the Light Blue Hair)", where she convinces Marge that she has no meaning in life. She is a parody of Oprah Winfrey, as is her show. Opal's cuckoo clock prize giveaway is a reference to Oprah's occasionally giving gifts to her audience members. Opal's boyfriend Straightman and the unsureness of their marriage is a reference to Oprah's own boyfriend, Stedman Graham, who were initially going to be married in 1992 but instead mutually agreed to have a "spiritual union", the two remaining as boyfriend and girlfriend instead of opting for marriage.
The real Oprah Winfrey has also appeared on the Simpsons, where her animated form is shown on her talk show approaching the Simpson residence. A slovenly Homer answers shocked, and says he thought the interview was tomorrow.
Appearances
- Episode – "Ice Cream of Margie (with the Light Blue Hair)"
- Episode – "Husbands and Knives"
- Episode – "Funeral for a Fiend"
References