The character development of Lisa Simpson in the long-running animated series, The Simpsons, owes a significant part of its evolution to actor Richard Gere. His guest appearance in the Season 13 episode titled “She of Little Faith” played a crucial role in Lisa’s conversion to Buddhism, marking a notable shift in her character that has persisted through the series.
In “She of Little Faith,” Homer Simpson inadvertently destroys Springfield’s church while launching a rocket. The church council, desperate for funds, turns to the notoriously wealthy and unscrupulous Mr. Burns. In return for his financial support, Burns rebuilds the church adorned with garish electronic advertisements. This commercialization prompts Lisa to renounce Christianity. In her quest for a new faith, she discovers a Buddhist temple where Gere’s character is meditating, leading her to explore the core teachings of Buddhism.
While some fans consider this episode to fall outside the show’s “Golden Age,” it retains the trademark humor and emotional depth that The Simpsons is renowned for. The episode showcases humorous elements, such as the outrageous advertisements in Burns’ church, including a “Godcam” reminiscent of a “Kiss Cam” seen at sporting events. Emotionally, Lisa grapples with her faith, while Marge attempts to guide her back to Christianity. Gere’s involvement in the episode extends beyond his voice acting; he contributed to shaping its direction.
During the official DVD commentary for “She of Little Faith,” showrunner Al Jean revealed that Gere had three specific requests prior to agreeing to the role. He insisted that Buddhism be portrayed respectfully, that Lisa’s conversion to Buddhism be permanent, and that she would shout “Free Tibet!”—a nod to Gere’s activism for Tibetan independence. While the first two requests were honored, it was Gere himself who said “Free Tibet!” in a subsequent episode, “I’m Spelling As Fast As I Can.”
The episode portrays Buddhism in a thoughtful manner, with Lisa learning significant lessons about compassion and love, even towards those with differing beliefs. A poignant scene depicts Lisa experiencing a panic attack when her family attempts to coax her back to Christianity, with Gere’s character reminding her of the essential Buddhist principle of love and compassion for all.
Gere is not the only guest star to have a lasting impact on Lisa’s character. In Season 7’s “Lisa the Vegetarian,” the character decides to adopt vegetarianism after forming a bond with a lamb. This decision creates tension within the family, particularly with Homer and Bart, who mock her for her choice. Lisa ultimately meets Paul McCartney and his wife, Linda, both of whom are real-life vegetarians. McCartney also stipulated that Lisa’s vegetarianism should be permanent in the series, a condition that has been respected throughout subsequent seasons.
Lisa’s character often tackles profound themes, with her episodes frequently addressing societal issues. Her conversion to Buddhism, largely influenced by Richard Gere, represents one of the most significant character developments in the show’s history. As viewers continue to engage with Lisa’s journey, they can appreciate the contributions of both Gere and McCartney, who have helped shape her character into one that embodies principles of compassion, respect, and individuality.
Through its satirical lens, The Simpsons has consistently navigated complex topics, and the evolution of Lisa Simpson stands as a testament to the show’s ability to reflect societal changes and values over the decades since its premiere on December 17, 1989. As the series approaches its 34th season, the influence of guest stars like Richard Gere serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that individual contributions can have on cultural narratives.
