Ned Flanders
Nedward "Ned" Flanders Jr., commonly referred to by his surname, is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons, voiced by Harry Shearer and first appearing in the series premiere episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire." He is the good-natured, cheery next-door neighbor to the Simpson family and is generally loathed by Homer Simpson, though there are numerous instances where the two are portrayed as good friends. A scrupulous and devout Evangelical Christian, he is among the friendliest and most compassionate of Springfield's residents and is generally considered a pillar of the Springfield community.
| Ned Flanders | |
|---|---|
| The Simpsons character | |
Flanders waving | |
| First appearance | "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (1989) |
| Created by | Matt Groening Mimi Pond |
| Designed by | Matt Groening |
| Voiced by | Harry Shearer |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Nedward Flanders Jr. |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Pharmaceutical company clerk (former, until he opened the Leftorium), owner of the Leftorium (former, until it closed), fourth grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School |
| Family | Mona Flanders (mother) Nedward Flanders, Sr. (father) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | Rod Flanders Todd Flanders |
| Religion | Evangelical Christian |
| Nationality | American |
He was one of the first characters outside the immediate Simpson family to appear on the show, and has since been central to several episodes, the first being season two's "Dead Putting Society". As the series progressed, Flanders's religious fanaticism increased immensely, prompting the coining of the term "Flanderization". His last name comes from Flanders Street in Portland, Oregon, the hometown of Simpsons creator Matt Groening.