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The James Altucher Show · August 16, 2026 · 01:15:27

Nancy Cartwright: Bart Simpson, Fellini, and Finding the Artist Inside [From the Archive]

Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, shares the story behind her film In Search of Fellini, based on her real-life trip to Italy in the 1980s. She describes how an obsession with La Strada and a series of letters to Federico Fellini led to an immersive journey that became a meditation on creativity and self-discovery. James and Nancy discuss her early career, from speech competitions to studying with voice acting legend Daws Butler, and the lessons she learned about preparation, instinct, and authenticity. The conversation touches on her iconic audition for The Simpsons, the philosophy of 'riding the horse in the direction it's going,' and the belief that every person carries an artist inside. Throughout, Nancy emphasizes that the leap from talent to authorship requires not just skill, but the courage to trust your own voice.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

Travel Far Away to Find What Is Closest00:41:18
Nancy Cartwright explains how a chance encounter in Milan gave her the line 'sometimes you have to travel far, far away to find what is closest to you,' which became the emotional center of her film In Search of Fellini.
Surprise Yourself, Surprise Everyone Else00:10:47
Nancy shares how walking out of a Cheers audition in frustration led to the casting team loving her, and her teacher Milton Katselas's advice: 'If you can surprise yourself, you can surprise everyone else.'

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