Voice Actor for The Simpsons Harry Shearer is no Longer a Part of the Show

Harry Shearer provides voices to multiple characters of the show including Mr. Burns, Walylon Smithers and Ned Flanders

Harry Shearer, one of the key members of “The Simpsons”, will not a part of the iconic animated series any longer. The veteran actor and comedian shared the news on Thursday via Twitter that “The Simpsons” is moving without him but he welcomes the decision and take it as an oppourtunity to pursue other projects.

The 71-year old Harry Shearer has been associated with “The Simpsons” since 1989 and provides voices for several characters including Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Dr. Hibbert and Principal Skinner. Though, initially he was a bit reluctant to become a part of “The Simpsons” as a voice artist because he thought that recording sessions will be long and boring but executive producer James L. Brooks convinced him to join the cast and ever since he had been doing his job with great commitment and dedication.

Although, Shearer has not provided the actual reason but it is believed that his departure has something to do with the renewal of the contract. It has been reported earlier this week that season 27 and 28 of the Simpsons are about to enter production stage but one of its members of the cast which was possibly the Harry Shearer was reportedly delaying the process by not signing the contract. Sources suggest that Shearer was hoping for an increase in pay, although, the entire cast including Shearer himself were agreed to accept the same amount for the coming two seasons.

Shearer and the remaining cast have a long history of contract disputes with the show. The cast get into the first real dispute with the executives in 1998 when they demanded a share in licensing and merchandising after the show had become hit but executives threatened to replace them with other artists. In 2004, cast demanded a raise in pay and stopped reading the scripts. But, the issue settled down later. In October 2011, the executives wanted the cast of the series to take massive pay cuts. Otherwise, they will not be able to keep the show on air and the cast reduced their pay to continue the show.

from James L. Brooks’ lawyer: “show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.”. (1/2)

— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) /4/14, 2015

This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2)— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) /4/14, 2015