Homer Simpson, the star character of U.S. cartoon series 'The Simpsons' has been named the greatest character created for television and films in past 20 years.

Simpson beat schoolboy wizard Harry Potter and vampire slayer Buffy to take the top spot in the survey for Entertainment Weekly.

 
Simpson creator Matt Groening said millions of people were able to identify with Homer with his catchphrase “D’oh.” He added, “People can relate to Homer because we are all secretly proplled by desire we cannot admit to. Homer is launching himself head-first into every single impulsive thought that occurs to him. His love of whatever…is a jpy to witness.”

“The Simpsons” in its 21st season, is longest running U.S. TV series in prime time. It is broadcasted in more than 90 countries.

 
JK Rowling’s creation Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe in six movies, was described as a “global icon” to take the second place in the poll.

The star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, came third in the list followed by Tony Soprano from HBO drama series “The Sopranos” and comic book villain the Joker played by late Australian actor Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight.”
 
Other in the top 10 list were Rachel from “Friends,” Edward Scissorhands from the movie of that name, Hannibal Lecter played by Anthony Hopkins, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.” And cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants.