 The character of Hans Moleman appeared a few times in various  background scenes, he made his first speaking appearance in the  episode "Principal Charming" in the second season. At this point,  his name, as shown on a drivers license, was "Ralph Melish" (a name  previously used by _"Monty Pythons Flying Circus" (1969)_ (qv)).  His appearance provoked quite a stir among the writers, because he  was written as a generalized "old man" part, but he came back from  the animators, in the words of creator Matt Groening (qv),  "looking like a shriveled potato". They then ended up jokingly  referring to him as Moleman, and eventually giving him the permanent  name of Hans Moleman.