Voice actor Harry Shearer may leave The Simpsons over contract dispute

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Earlier this month, FOX renewed The Simpsons for two more seasons, however longtime voice actor Harry Shearer may not be involved with the upcoming seasons. Shearer (the voice of many Simpsons characters, including Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner and Kent Brockman) hasn't signed a new contract yet, and last night he tweeted part of a letter from an attorney for executive producer James L. Brooks. The issue seems to be Shearer's ability to do work not related to The Simpsons.

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) May 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) May 14, 2015

CNNMoney contacted Harry Shearer, and he says he's had the freedom to do outside work for decades, but now the producers aren't budging on that aspect of the contract.

In last four years, I've created and starred in a UK TV series and starred on London stage. Not stopping.

There's still time for a deal to be reached before production starts on the next season, but when asked by CNNMoney if there's a chance he will continue on the series, Shearer's response was "I think that's a question better posed to them." So although the voice actor hasn't officially quit yet, things aren't looking too good right now. Do you think Harry Shearer will be back for the 27th and 28th seasons of The Simpsons?

The Simpson's 26th season finale will air on May 17, 2015.