David X. Cohen

David X. Cohen (born David Samuel Cohen) is a writer for The Simpsons and head writer and executive producer of Futurama. Born and known pre-Futurama as David S. Cohen, he changed his name after joining the Writer's Guild of America as there was already another David S. Cohen (The writers guild does not allow members to have the same name). He chose X because it sounded "sci-fi-ish", though has jokingly said that the X would make him "the David Cohen people would remember". He works with Matt Groening on many projects.

Writing credits

Cohen is credited with writing or co-writing the following episodes:

Futurama: "Space Pilot 3000", "Xmas Story", "Anthology of Interest I", "Anthology of Interest II" and "The Why Of Fry".

The Simpsons: "Treehouse of Horror V", "Lisa the Vegetarian", "Treehouse of Horror VI", "22 Short Films About Springfield", "Much Apu About Nothing", "Treehouse of Horror VII", "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show", "The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase", "Treehouse of Horror VIII", "Lisa the Skeptic", "Das Bus", "Bart the Mother" and "Treehouse of Horror IX".

Beavis and Butthead: "Couch Fishing" and "Plate Frisbee".

Is co-credited for the story of Futurama's "The Day the Earth Stood Stupid".

Is credited with inventing the word 'cromulent', meaning 'valid' or 'acceptable', which has entered wide use following its usage in The Simpsons.

Trivia

Cohen graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in physics and from the University of California, Berkeley with a Master's degree in computer science.

Cohen was classmates in the Harvard physics department with Cats & Dogs and Antz director Lawrence Guterman. Both studied under physicist Sidney Coleman and Nobel Prize winner Norman F. Ramsey, as well as under Fields Medal winner David Mumford.

His favorite movie is Dr. Strangelove.

He is a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Both his parents were biologists.

He wrote for the Harvard Lampoon.

External links