| Bobby Hill | |
| Series: | King of the Hill |
| First: | "Pilot" (1997) |
| Creator: | Mike Judge Greg Daniels |
| Designer: | Mike Judge |
| Voice: | Pamela Adlon |
| Nickname: |
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| Gender: | Male |
| Family: | Peggy Hill (mother) Hank Hill (father) Luanne Platter (cousin) |
| Relatives: |
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| Religion: | United Methodist |
| Nationality: | American |
Robert Jeffrey "Bobby" Hill (born August 13, 1985) is a fictional character on the Fox animated series King of the Hill and is voiced by Pamela Adlon. Bobby is the only child of Hank and Peggy Hill.
Robert Jeffrey "Bobby" Hill was born on August 13 in Arlen, Texas, as revealed in "Shins of the Father". Bobby is 4'11" (150 cm), below average height for his age, and is also overweight. Bobby is a school-aged boy who enjoys comedy, music, dance and socializing with his friends, Joseph Gribble and Connie Souphanousinphone. Although at times Bobby is seen as odd by his father and peers, he maintains a remarkable talent with people, particularly with girls, who find him cute and entertaining. Despite both of his parents being athletes, Bobby is inept at sports nor does he show any interest in it as a spectator. He is innocent, gentle, amicable, and good-natured. Though sometimes seen as a let-down, he does have a number of talents. Using these talents, Bobby aspires to be a prop comic like his comedic hero "Celery Head" (a parody of Carrot Top) and a "ladies' man" (at times). Bobby displays a natural talent as a marksman, shown in "How to Fire a Rifle Without Really Trying" and "To Kill a Ladybird". Bobby is generally very passive and is occasionally a victim of bullies, but maintains an overall high level of self-esteem. He is also the only person to whom Cotton Hill ever expresses genuine and unconditional affection, consistently supporting him and confiding in him throughout the series.
Many episodes focus on the development of the relationship between Bobby and Hank. Bobby is not talented as an athlete or a craftsman like his father is, although he shows signs of being a talented golfer and shooter. As a result, Hank doubts his masculine identity and normalcy, tacitly and with side-of-the-mouth remarks, often lamenting "That boy ain't right." Apparently outside of Hank's knowledge, Bobby does have the capability of physical anger, as when he twice punched the taller and stronger Joseph for kissing Connie. Bobby is saddened by his father's lack of appreciation for the arts and his comedy routines. The two struggle to find common interests. However, Hank and Bobby find common interest in Texas, meat, propane, target shooting, hunting and golfing, among other things as the show progresses. Despite differences, Hank and Bobby have a close relationship. Bobby considers his father his hero. Although Bobby has a savant knack with shooting, it is one particular talent Hank does not have.
Writer Norm Hiscock told MEL Magazine that "Bobby was a sensitive boy who was open to things, whereas Hank was more close-minded, so Bobby would drive him crazy. It was always a nice mash-up. That, for me, was the heart of King of the Hill."[1]
Bobby's age progresses throughout the series. He starts out aged 11, turns 12 in "Shins of the Father" (the episode came out in 1997, putting his birthdate in 1985), turns 13 in "I Don't Want To Wait For Our Lives To Be Over", and is aged 13 for the rest of the series.[2] [3]
The London Free Press states that he "arguably was the most interesting, complex and in some ways 'real' kid in TV."[4]
In their book Abnormal Child Psychology, authors Eric J. Mash and David Allen Wolfe discussed the misconception that eating sugar contributes to ADD. Certain media portrayals, including the events surrounding Bobby in the episode "Peggy's Turtle Song", are noted.[5] In the book People of the Century by CBS News, they described Bobby as the "anti-Bart" (referring to Bart Simpson) while discussing how other characters have tried to "claim Bart's place of honor."[6]
Voice actress Pamela Adlon received positive reception for her portrayal of Bobby. She received an Emmy for her role in the episode "Bobby Goes Nuts", the only performer in the series to have won one for their role.[7] IGN editor Talmadge Blevins quotes a line spoken by Bobby, "That's my purse! I don't know you!", describing it as one of the "most memorable lines ever uttered on television."[8]
In 2002, TV Guide ranked Bobby Hill number 48 on its "50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" list.[9]