Matt Groening Age and Birth Context
Matt Groening was born on February 15, 1954, in Portland, Oregon, making him 70 years old as of 2025. He is the creator of the comic strip Life in Hell (1977–2012) and the animated television series The Simpsons (1989–present) and Futurama (1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2023–present). This article provides a concise, verified timeline of his age and career milestones, clarifying common questions about his birth year, generational context, and professional achievements with sourced references.
Key Biographical Data
Below is a compact reference of verified attributes, dates, and contextual notes that frame Groening’s age within his professional life. These facts are drawn from widely reported biographies, authoritative interviews, and public records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Abraham Groening | Public record / Biography |
| Date of birth | February 15, 1954 | Public record / Interview references |
| Place of birth | Portland, Oregon, United States | Biographical sources |
| Current age (2025) | 70 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| Generation | Baby Boomer | Demographic classification |
| The Simpsons premiere | December 17, 1989 (Season 1, Episode 1: "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire") | Network records |
| Futurama premiere | March 28, 1999 | Network records |
Age by Career Milestone
Understanding Matt Groening’s age at key moments clarifies his timeline and creative output. The listed ages are approximate and based on his February 15 birth date.
Early Career and Life in Hell
- 1977 (age 23): Life in Hell weekly comic strip begins publication in the Los Angeles Reader.
- 1985 (age 31): Produces the animated short Good Night for The Tracy Ullman Show, leading to development of The Simpsons.
The Simpsons and Mainstream Success
- 1989 (age 35): The Simpsons launches as a half-hour series on Fox.
- 1997 (age 43): Wins first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (for season 7, episode 7: "The Day the Violence Died").
Later Work and Futurama
- 1999 (age 45): Futurama premieres on Fox.
- 2013 (age 59): Futurama concludes its original run on Comedy Central after four initial seasons and several revival efforts.
- 2023 (age 69): Returns with new seasons on Apple TV+ under the banner of Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
Common Questions About Matt Groening’s Age
These frequently asked questions address the most common points of public curiosity about Matt Groening’s age and career duration.
What year was Matt Groening born?
He was born in 1954. This makes him a member of the Baby Boomer generation and explains why his major works launched during the cable television era.
How old was Matt Groening when he created The Simpsons?
Development began in 1987 and the series launched in 1989, when he was approximately 35 years old.
Is Matt Groening still creating new work?
While he is no longer deeply involved in day-to-day production of ongoing series, he has remained associated with revivals and consultative roles. As of 2025, he is 70 years old.
Comparative Context: Age and Career Eras
Placing Groening’s age alongside major industry moments helps contextualize his influence. The table below compares his key career phases with broader technological and cultural shifts.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Life in Hell begins | Alternative weeklies gain cultural relevance; print-era creator-driven comics thrive. |
| 1989 | The Simpsons premieres | Launch of the longest-running U.S. primetime scripted series in television history. |
| 1999 | Futurama premieres | Boomer-era satire meets animated sci-fi; foreshadows niche cable and later streaming revivals. |
| 2007–2009 | Theatrical films and peak streaming interest | Shows transition to new distribution models, highlighting long-tail value of animated IP. |
| 2023–present | New Futurama seasons and ongoing Simpsons presence | Demonstrates durable IP strategy and cross-platform continuity into the streaming era. |
Notes on Sources and Verifiability
Information in this article is drawn from publicly available biographies, network archives, and widely reported interviews. Where possible, statements are grounded in documentary evidence such as broadcast records and official credits. This approach prioritizes clarity and reproducibility over speculative interpretation of age-related timelines.
Status and Legacy Overview
Matt Groening remains a central figure in animated television and alternative print comics. His age and career timeline reflect sustained influence across multiple technological shifts in media distribution. The durability of The Simpsons and Futurama demonstrates how creator-driven IP can evolve while retaining cultural relevance across generations.
Tags: biography, career timeline, animation, media history