The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has revealed the location of the town that his hit cartoon is based on.
Springfield is one of the most common town names in the United States and Groening has said that "Springfield was named after Springfield, Oregon."
Speaking to The Smithsonian he said he realised that "Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the US. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, 'This will be cool; everyone will think it's their Springfield'. And they do."
"Whenever people say it's Springfield, Ohio, or Springfield, Massachusetts, or Springfield, wherever, I always go, 'Yup, that's right" he added, explaining that he hasn't revealed any particular location before as he didn't want to ruin the mystery for fans.
Groening, pictured with his two famous characters during his induction ceremony in the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year
When asked why he chose Oregon, his home state, he revealed "the only reason is that when I was a kid, the TV show Father Knows Best took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown."
The Simpsons first aired in 1989 and is currently in its 23rd season, with two more seasons contracted to be produced.
