Waylon Joseph Smithers, Jr. (better known as "Mr. Smithers" or simply "Smithers") is Mr. Burns's personal assistant, executive, and self-proclaimed best friend. He has lived with Burns since he was an infant, and though partly raised by him, Burns has never seen Smithers as a stepson or an heir; nonetheless, his loyalty to his evil boss is sincere. Smithers is a gay man; he officially came out in The Burns Cage. Although most people in Springfield were aware he was gay before this. He is allergic to bee stings and has hypothyroidism, both of which can kill him. He is also lactose-intolerant.