Harry Shearer Leaving The Simpsons
The voice actor behind Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, Dr. Hibbert, Scratchy and Lenny (NOT LENNY!), and probably many others that don’t come to mind at the moment, has tweeted that contract negotiations between him and Fox have fallen through and he is now leaving the series after 26 years.
“From James L. Brooks’ lawyer: ‘Show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.’ This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best.”
The Simpsons was recently announced to have gained a two-season renewal contract. This contract would have happened sooner if negotiations with Shearer had not stalled the process. At this point all other cast members have signed on; Harry, sadly, chose not to.
This is not the first time Shearer has had issues with his pay. According to the most recent Some Jerk With A Camera video (you need to start watching Some Jerk With A Camera if you don’t already), The Simpsons Ride was supposed to take place in the nuclear plant, but they couldn’t satisfy Shearer’s monetary demands, so they couldn’t have Burns or Smithers. They had to change the setting to Krustyland instead. Apparently Kelsey Grammer carries a smaller price tag than Shearer, which tells you a lot right there.
Fans have wondered what would happen if one of the heavy members of the voice cast died or quit. We’re about to find out. They’re now locked into at least two more seasons, and they can’t pull an Edna Krabappel on that many characters. Casting other people feels like the only inevitable solution. They’ll just have to hope no one can tell the diddly-ifference.