Did you know that Shrek was partially based on a pro-wrestler named Maurice Tillet? Or that Sonic's rival, Eggman, was based on a combination of Theodore Roosevelt and an egg? Learn more weird inspirations for fictional characters over at BuzzFeed.
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Ned Flanders is based on a professor at Oral Roberts University named Gerald Landers. Nicest guy ever--and yes, they are dead ringers. The lead animator for the Simpsons got his AV degree at ORU where Gerald was one of his professors (and mine, too). There is a wonderful bit where Homer steals Ned's diploma, hangs it on the wall, and scratches his own name in. It reads, "NED FLANDERS ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY." Gerald was really one of the nicest people ever and I enjoyed his company. I could totally understand the homage.
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