After 23 seasons of laughs, it's hard to imagine a world where 'The Simpsons' aren't on television. In addition to being the longest-running scripted series in TV history, 'Simpsons' quotes and references have become part of our daily vernacular. And yet, the show's storied history and the behind-the-scenes tales of how the characters came to life have been barely noticed in the large shadow its iconic characters have cast on the world.

'The Simpsons' hasn't just created a media and merchandising empire that has brought the world 500 TV episodes, a movie, countless toys and even a theme park ride. It has also launched the careers of some of the biggest names in comedy (Conan O'Brien, we'll always bow to you for the monorail episode) and turned its creator Matt Groening into a mainstream counterculture hero. So as the show reaches into its landmark 500th episode, it's worth noting some of the more interesting facts and figures behind Springfield's most famous residents.