The Homer Simpson question

June Casagrande

Pay no attention to that man behind the desk -- that dignified,

intelligent-looking guy signing autographs at Borders Books, Music &

Cafe. That’s just Dan Castellaneta. And, make no mistake about it, Dan

Castellaneta is not Homer Simpson. Hence the title of his new comedy CD,

“I Am Not Homer!”

The recording of comedy sketches performed with wife Deb Lucasta is

titled as a tongue-in-cheek ode to Leonard Nimoy’s book, “I Am Not

Spock.” Though Castellaneta admits there may be a kernel of truth in it

for him too.

“There’s a certain kind of irritation of being associated with one

character,” Castellaneta said, noting that he hears “D’oh!” more often

than he might like.

“I Am Not Homer!” has given Castellaneta a chance to return to his

roots; to the days before the “Simpsons” sent his vocal chords into

international stardom as Homer Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Sideshow Mel,

Barney Gumble and other characters of the animated show; to his days with

renowned improv and sketch comedy troupe Second City and the thrill of

earning laughs one at a time from a live audience.

“We used to improvise a live radio show,” Castellaneta said of stage

performances with Lucasta. “We would get a suggestion from the audience

and just go with it.”

“I Am Not Homer!,” he said, is actually better than improv -- it’s a

compilation of comedy sketches based on improvised scenes the couple

performed about 10 years ago in and around Los Angeles.

“They’re audience tested. That’s important,” he said.

Castellaneta describes himself as a lifetime fan of the recorded word.

He said the new CD is reminiscent of the comedy of Mike Nichols and

Elaine May.

“I’ve always loved listening to comedy records: Nichols and May,

Cosby, Carlin, even Fireside Theater, or the Jack Benny Show,” he said.

But when talking with Castellaneta about comedy, all roads eventually

lead to Springfield. In fact, written on the back of “I Am Not Homer” are

backward letters spelling out, “Okay. I’m Homer.”

“My favorite thing about working on the ‘Simpsons’ is being a part of

something that I would be a fan of,” Castellaneta said.

Castellaneta’s favorite episodes, he said, include an early episode

guest-starring Harvey Fierstein in which Homer discovers a miracle

hair-growth product that skyrockets him to success. Another is when Lisa

convinces Bart and Homer they have leprosy by painting them with a

mixture of oatmeal and green paint. A more recent favorite aired last

week when Bart creates an Internet cartoon based on Homer, with the

seeming result of turning Homer into the Incredible Hulk.

“The show is just so well written, and there’s so much talent on it,”

he said. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

It’s not so bad being Homer, after all.

FYI

* What: Dan Castellaneta signing copies of his new comedy CD, “I Am

Not Homer!”

* When: 3 p.m. today

* Where: Borders Books, Music & Cafe, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear

St., Costa Mesa.

* Cost: Free

* Call: (714) 279-8933