Al Jean (Facebook Photo)
Detroit native Al Jean's resume includes writer for National Lampoon magazine, It's Garry Shandling's Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and writer and producer for The Simpsons.
He was one of the original writers for The Simpsons, and is now the "showrunner" for the show, which means he's responsible for the day-to-day operations.
Valerie Vande Panne of the Metro Times talks to Jean, 53, about his Detroit roots. He's been living in Los Angeles the past 30 years. But the Metro Times writes that his Detroit roots run deep and have given him perspective and humor that audiences have benefited from.
Metro Times reports:
Jean grew up in Farmington Hills in the '60s and '70s. His aunt still runs Jean's Hardware, on 12 Mile Road, and he's got close family in the area.
"As someone who grew up in Detroit, my whole life people are saying Detroit is coming back," he chuckles over the phone when we ask what he thinks of Detroit. "That sort of thing helps you get a sense of humor about the place. Michiganders have a great, dry sense of humor.
"That would be so great," if the city comes back, he continues. "I would be crying tears of joy. There are so many wonderful things there. The Midwestern spirit is gentle and sweet.
"I grew up around 12 Mile Road, and it was certainly a childhood depicted on The Simpsons, as the show is so universally relatable. Wherever the writer is from, we all have the common experience of going to 7-Eleven, taking the bus to school."
