I too started watching the simpsons years ago, back when BBC2 had the rights to broadcast it in UK.
I don't really have a favorite character, they are all played very well, but as I have been watching it for so long, it seems like I have watched nearly all of the episodes, so it has lost some of its appeal.
I like to watch Family Guy on the net now, its as good as The simpsons, and is a bit funnier because it is slightly more adult if you know what I mean.