Bill Oakley is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for his iconic work on The Simpsons, where he co-ran the show during its critically acclaimed seventh and eighth seasons. He co-created the cult classic animated series Mission Hill and has contributed to other beloved shows like Futurama and Portlandia. Bill’s cultural impact extends beyond television—he wrote the “Steamed Hams” scene, a segment from The Simpsons that evolved into a viral meme, earning the title of Meme of the Year in 2018 from Know Your Meme.

In recent years, Bill has transitioned from showrunning to the culinary world, where his sharp humor and love for American food have made him a sought-after voice in the industry. A regular contributor to the History Channel’s The Food That Built America and a guest on Afternoon Live, Bill combines storytelling with culinary expertise. His collaborations with prominent chefs like Robert Irvine and J. Kenji López-Alt have further solidified his voice as a notable comic voice in American food culture.

Bill’s many food-related projects include the creation and curation of an American Culinary Curiosity Dinner, a sold-out Portland event celebrating regional American dishes, and partnering with Level Beer to create Steamed Hams Lager, inspired by his Simpsons legacy. Through his food reviews and projects like The Steamie Awards, Bill continues to explore and celebrate the culture and history of American cuisine with wit and insight.