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[UPDATED] Voice Behind Flanders, Smithers, Mr. Burns, and Principal Skinner Leaves The Simpsons After 26 Seasons

Please trap door yourself out.

goodbye

After 26 years, Simpsons actor Harry Shearer, the voice behind iconic characters like Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Otto, and Smithers has announced via Twitter that he will not be returning to the show.

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Shearer quoted Simpsons producer James L. Brooks’ lawyer as saying the “show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.” Seasons 27 and 28 of the long-running series are slated to enter production soon.

Shearer says his departure was prompted by a desire to pursue other projects, but considering Simpsons actors have always had thriving careers outside of the series, TMZ‘s report that a contract dispute caused the actor to leave also seems likely.

Ask not for whom the bell toll-a-lee-doll-la-lees, Simpsons. It tolls for thee.

godlesskraven

UPDATE:

Looks like James L. Brooks may be trying valiantly to keep Shearer on board rather than recasting.

(via The Verge)

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