The Best Friend
All Simpsons fans know Milhouse Mussolini Van Houten, better known as Milhouse, as Bart Simpson’s best friend and nerdy sidekick. There’s a pretty persistent rumor that the character of Milhouse was based on Paul Pfeiffer from The Wonder Years. Although this rumor has never been confirmed or proven, it’s interesting to think about.
Both shows aired around the same time, so when people saw Paul and Milhouse on screen, it was hard not to notice the similarities in appearance and personality. Who wouldn’t love these two cute, nerdy kids with glasses? Milhouse was first created for a Butterfinger commercial and was later introduced as a character on The Simpsons.