
Nancy Cartwright – Voice of Bart Simpson, Bio & Net Worth
Nancy Cartwright is the voice behind Bart Simpson, one of the most recognizable characters in television history. For over three decades, she has brought the mischievous 10‑year‑old to life on The Simpsons, earning Emmy and Annie awards along the way. But her career extends far beyond Springfield – she is an author, producer, philanthropist, and the host of her own podcast.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Cartwright discovered her talent for voices and sound effects in elementary school. She moved to Los Angeles at 17, trained under legendary voice actor Daws Butler, and eventually landed the role that would define her career. This article explores her biography, net worth, family, book, and the common confusion with a philosopher who shares her name.
Who is Nancy Cartwright? Biography and Career Overview
Nancy Cartwright – American voice actress, author
Voice of Bart Simpson since 1989
$10 million – $15 million (2025)
My Life as a 10‑Year‑Old Boy (2000)
Key Insights
- Nancy Cartwright began voice acting at age 17, moving to Los Angeles alone.
- She has voiced Bart Simpson for over 35 years, also playing other characters like Ralph Wiggum.
- Her memoir details the paradox of being a woman voicing a 10‑year‑old boy.
- She co‑founded the production company Cre84u Entertainment and hosts the podcast Simpsons Declassified.
- Despite widespread confusion, she is not the philosopher Nancy Cartwright (who is a different person).
- She serves as the honorary mayor of Kettering, Ohio, and November 2 is officially proclaimed “Nancy Cartwright Day” there.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nancy Jean Cartwright |
| Born | October 25, 1957 (age 67 as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Dayton, Ohio, USA |
| Occupation | Voice actress, actress, author, producer, philanthropist |
| Spouse | Warren Murphy (divorced 2002) |
| Children | Two adopted children: Jackson and Emma |
| Notable Role | Bart Simpson (The Simpsons) |
| Other Characters | Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz, Todd Flanders |
| Book | My Life as a 10‑Year‑Old Boy (Hyperion, 2000) |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Award (1992, 2012), Annie Award |
| Net Worth (est.) | $10 million – $15 million |
| Website | nancycartwright.com |
What Voices Does Nancy Cartwright Perform? Her Iconic Roles
Which characters does Nancy Cartwright voice on The Simpsons?
Cartwright is best known as the voice of Bart Simpson, a role she has performed since the character’s debut on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 and continuing through the half‑hour series that premiered in 1989. She also voices Maggie Simpson, Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz, and Todd Flanders. Her portrayal of Bart earned her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Voice‑Over Performance in 1992 and an Annie Award for Best Voice Acting in Animation in 1995. Read about another voice actor’s journey for comparison.
Has Nancy Cartwright voiced characters outside The Simpsons?
Yes, her range extends far beyond Springfield. She voiced Chuckie Finster in Rugrats, Rufus in Kim Possible, and Rufus in Family Guy. Earlier in her career, she appeared in The Snorks and other animated series. Her ability to create distinct, memorable characters has made her one of the most sought‑after voice actors in the industry.
On The Simpsons alone, Cartwright voices multiple characters with completely different personalities – from the sweet‑voiced Maggie to the gravelly‑toned Nelson Muntz. This range is a testament to her training under Daws Butler and decades of experience.
What is Nancy Cartwright’s Net Worth and Salary?
Exact figures for Nancy Cartwright’s net worth and per‑episode salary are not publicly disclosed. Various sources estimate her net worth to be between $10 million and $15 million as of 2025, based on her long tenure on one of television’s most successful animated series. The Simpsons has been renewed for multiple future seasons, but the specific terms of her contract remain private.
No official confirmation of net worth or salary exists. Figures cited by entertainment websites are speculative and should be treated as rough approximations, not verified facts.
Is Nancy Cartwright Married? Does She Have Children?
Who is Nancy Cartwright’s husband?
Nancy Cartwright was married to Warren Murphy, a writer and producer. The couple divorced in 2002. Further details about her marriage are limited, as Cartwright tends to keep her personal life private.
Does Nancy Cartwright have kids?
Yes, she has two adopted children, Jackson and Emma. She has spoken in interviews about the joys and challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding voice‑acting career.
Nancy Cartwright is the aunt of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter, though the two have not collaborated professionally. The association sometimes leads to confused search queries.
What Book Did Nancy Cartwright Write?
What is Nancy Cartwright’s book about?
In 2000, Cartwright published My Life as a 10‑Year‑Old Boy, an autobiography that chronicles her journey from a small‑town Ohio girl to the voice of Bart Simpson. The book offers behind‑the‑scenes stories from The Simpsons and explores the unique experience of a woman voicing a young male character.
When did Nancy Cartwright publish her memoir?
The original hardcover was released in 2000 by Hyperion. A one‑woman stage play adaptation followed in 2004, and an audiobook version was nominated for an Audie Award the same year. An updated edition titled I’m Still a 10‑Year‑Old Boy was announced for late 2021.
Where can I buy Nancy Cartwright’s book?
Copies are available through online retailers such as Amazon, and the official website provides purchasing links. The book is also stocked in many public libraries.
Is Nancy Cartwright a Philosopher? Understanding the Confusion
A common online search result for “Nancy Cartwright philosopher” refers to a completely different person. Nancy Cartwright (born 1944) is a British philosopher of science and a professor at the University of California, San Diego and Durham University. She has no connection to the voice actress.
The shared name causes frequent mix‑ups, but the two individuals work in entirely separate fields. If you’re looking for information about the philosopher, her work spans topics such as causality, scientific realism, and the metaphysics of science.
What are the Key Milestones in Nancy Cartwright’s Career?
- 1957 – Born in Dayton, Ohio.
- 1974 – Moved to Los Angeles at 17 to pursue voice acting.
- 1987 – First professional voice work (e.g., The Snorks).
- 1989 – Cast as Bart Simpson on The Simpsons (series premieres December 17).
- 2000 – Published memoir My Life as a 10‑Year‑Old Boy.
- 2010 – Co‑founded Cre84u Entertainment.
- 2020 – Launched podcast Simpsons Declassified.
- 2025 – Continues voicing Bart Simpson; active in conventions and charity.
What is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Nancy Cartwright?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Nancy Cartwright is the voice of Bart Simpson (verified by credits and interviews). | Net worth figures vary by source. Estimates range from $10M to $15M (not officially confirmed). |
| She was born October 25, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio. | Exact salary per Simpsons episode is not publicly disclosed. |
| She wrote a memoir in 2000. | There is no known professional or personal connection between Nancy Cartwright and Sabrina Carpenter. |
| She is divorced from Warren Murphy and has two adopted children. |
Why is Nancy Cartwright Significant in Animation History?
Nancy Cartwright is a pioneering female voice actress who broke gender stereotypes by voicing a male lead character for decades. Her career spans over 40 years, with The Simpsons as the centerpiece. She has also contributed as a producer, author, and podcaster. The confusion with the philosopher arises from a shared name but distinct fields, and Cartwright’s legacy remains firmly in animation.
For readers interested in other entertainer biographies, see Joe Pasquale – Biography, Family, Career and Net Worth 2025 and Tony Goldwyn – Biography, Wife, Net Worth, and Key Career Milestones.
What are the Best Sources for Nancy Cartwright’s Story?
“I never thought of myself as a woman playing a boy. I just thought of myself as Bart Simpson.”
— Nancy Cartwright, interview, NPR (2000)
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful every day that I get to be the voice of this iconic character.”
— Nancy Cartwright, official website
“Nancy Cartwright is a phenomenal talent who has given life to one of the most beloved characters in television history.”
— Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons (various interviews)
What is Nancy Cartwright’s Current Status?
As of 2025, Nancy Cartwright continues to voice Bart Simpson with no announced end. She remains active on her podcast Simpsons Declassified and social media, and appears at conventions and charity events. No new book has been announced for the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nancy Cartwright’s dad?
Nancy Cartwright’s father is Frank Cartwright. He worked as an industrial engineer and supported her early acting ambitions.
What is Nancy Cartwright’s connection to Sabrina Carpenter?
There is no known professional or personal connection. Both are entertainers, but they have not collaborated. The association likely stems from misdirected search queries.
Did Nancy Cartwright win any Emmys?
Yes, she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards: one in 1992 for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program and another in 2012 for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for The Simpsons.
How did Nancy Cartwright get the role of Bart Simpson?
She originally auditioned for the role of Lisa Simpson, but the producers were so impressed by her performance that they offered her the part of Bart instead.
What other shows has Nancy Cartwright voiced on?
She has guest‑starred on Rugrats, The Proud Family, Family Guy, and many other cartoons. She also voiced Daffney in The Snorks.
Is Nancy Cartwright still voicing Bart Simpson?
Yes, as of 2025 she continues to voice Bart Simpson on The Simpsons, which has been renewed for multiple future seasons.
What is Nancy Cartwright’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly confirmed. Estimates from entertainment websites place it between $10 million and $15 million.
Does Nancy Cartwright have a podcast?
Yes, she hosts Simpsons Declassified, which explores behind‑the‑scenes stories from the show.