The Simpsons

Name: Krusty the Klown

Occupation: Entertainer, entrepreneur, international celebrity

Distinguishing Characteristics: Clown shoes, hair and face paint; cigar, heart bypass scar

Signature Quote: "Hey, kids! Don't forget to watch my 29th anniversary show, featuring clips like ... more this one of Sideshow Mel whacked out on wowee sauce!"

Notes: Born Herschel Krustofski -- the son of a rabbi, Hyman, who remains bitterly disappointed with his son's chosen profession -- Krusty is a complex combination of warring impulses. He loves to make people laugh, but he loves money even more, hence a line of shoddy merchandise (from frozen pork products to a deadly children's camp) with his name on it. Nonetheless, he is Bart's hero.