Robert Jeffrey Hill, nicknamed Bobby, was born on August 13 in Arlen, Texas, as revealed in "Shins of the Father". Bobby once commented on the fact that he was short for his age, stating he had not yet had his growth spurt. He 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. He is innocent, gentle, lovable, and good-hearted who can be sometimes seen as a let-down but does have a number of talents. Using these talents, Bobby aspires to be a prop comic like his comedic hero "Celery Head" and a "ladies man". 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. However, Bobby speaks out on issues concerning love.
Father-son relationship theme
Many episodes focus on the development of the relationship between Bobby and Hank, a double act. Bobby is not talented as an athlete or a craftsman like his father is. 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. There is a theory that Bobby is actually Bill Dauterives son, because of their similarity in appearance.
Age
Bobby's age progresses throughout the series. He starts out aged 11, turns 12 in "Shins of the Father", 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.
Reception and analysis
The London Free Press states that he "arguably was the most interesting, complex and in some ways 'real' kid in TV." 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. In the book People of the Century by CBS News, they described Bobby as the "anti-Bart" while discussing how other characters have tried to "claim Bart's place of honor." 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 actor in the series to have won one. 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." In 2002, TV Guide ranked Bobby Hillnumber 48 on its "50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" list.
