Lisa and Bart Simpson's favorite variety show host has a rich and illustrious backstory. We love that, even as part of an ensemble as grand and large as The Simpsons, this craggy curmudgeon gets more than his due. Check out a few snapshots from the life of the criminal kid's show clown.

1. Krusty's birth name is Herschel Schmoykel Krustofsky.

2. An American immigrant, Krusty was born in Lithuania to a Rabbi father (who, incidentally, vehemently disapproves of Krusty's profession). His family arrived on Ellis Island 1902.

3. It's been speculated the influence for Krusty the Clown character comes from a variety of sources. Late night talk show hosts Johnny Carson and David Letterman, slapstick comedian Jerry Lewis and even Al Jolson have been cited as possible inspirations for the cranky clown. Children's show hosts Bozo the Clown, Ramblin' Rod and Barnum & Bailey clown Lou Jacobs have also been linked to the Krusty character.

4. Simpsons creator Matt Groenig has said Krusty is partly modeled after a clown who humiliated him as a kid (he has since been terrified of clowns). On other occasions, he's cited a Rusty Nails, a TV clown local to his native Portland, Oregon, as his model for Krusty.

5. Misfortune continues to be Krusty's most constant and reliable sidekick. A recurring recipient of open heart surgery, Krusty has been framed for robbery by former sidekick Sideshow Bob, faked his own death to avoid the IRS in 1996 and remains perilously close to show cancellation to this day.

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