Shearer, who voices Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns and many others on the FOX animated series, is expected to be back for at least four more seasons of the show.
- July 8, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Harry Shearer isn't leaving "The Simpsons" after all. After announcing his departure from the longtime series in May, he now reportedly has signed a new contract that will keep him on the FOX animated series for at least four more seasons.
It is said that the deal is worth $300,000 per episode. According to EW, other five primary voice actors, including Dan Castellaneta, Yeardley Smith, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright and Hank Azaria, had signed the same deals earlier this year.
Back in May, Shearer tweeted that he's leaving "The Simpsons" to work on other projects, and his departure was not related to pay. Executive producer James L. Brooks, however, hoped that Shearer would return as he took to his own Twitter to post, "Hey, we tried. We're still trying. Harry, no kidding, let's talk."
Following the contract renewal, executive producer Al Jean said in a series of Twitter posts, "I would like to clear up a misunderstanding. I have recently been told that during a period where Harry Shearer believed he had a five week free period from the Simpsons, I was unaware of this fact, and did in fact request material from him. If so, my bad. I am truly glad he is returning to the show."
Shearer, meanwhile, tweeted, "Said it at the beginning, even truer at the end: thanks to Simpsons fans for your support; wouldn't have happened w/out you!"
"The Simpsons" has been renewed for a 27th and 28th season by FOX. The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 27.
