Easily one of the saddest characters in Springfield (outside of Moe Syzslak) Gil Gunderson is a character who can never seem to catch a break.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rIU6btATNCM/Vdq-Mn1yGmI/AAAAAAAACAE/p_KG1F27vOQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png)
Chronically unemployed, Gil nonetheless keeps a positive attitude; he always feels like good luck is just around the corner. Modeled after Jack Lemmon's character in Glengarry Glen Ross, Gil was originally intended as a one shot character. Viewers loved him, however, and after the death of Phil Hartman, who voiced the sad sack lawyer Lionel Hutz, Springfield needed a similar character. Ol' Gil was brought in to fill the void and has become an important part of Springfield.