The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom that includes six main voice actors, and numerous regular cast and recurring guest stars. The principal cast consists of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer. Tress MacNeille, Pamela Hayden, Maggie Roswell, Russi Taylor, Marcia Wallace, Marcia Mitzman Gaven and Karl Wiedergott have appeared as supporting cast. Repeat guest cast members include Albert Brooks, Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz, Joe Mantegna and Kelsey Grammer.[1] With one exception, episode credits list only the voice actors, and not the characters they voice.
Both Fox and the production crew wanted to keep their identities secret during the early seasons and closed most of the recording sessions while refusing to publish photos of the recording artists.[2] The network eventually revealed which roles each actor performed in the episode "Old Money", because the producers said the voice actors should receive credit for their work.[3] With the exception of Shearer, every main cast member has won an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.[4][5] However, Shearer was nominated for the award in 2009 for his performance in the episode "The Burns and the Bees".[6] Castellaneta has won four and Azaria has won three, while Kavner, Cartwright, Smith, Wallace, Grammer and guest star Jackie Mason have each won one.[7]
[edit] Regular cast
[edit] Background
Hank Azaria has been a part of the
Simpsons regular voice cast since the second season.
Castellaneta and Kavner were asked to voice the lead roles of Homer and Marge Simpson as they were regular cast members of The Tracey Ullman Show on which The Simpsons shorts appeared.[8][9] Cartwright auditioned for the part of Lisa, but found that Lisa was simply described as the "middle child" and at the time did not have much personality. She then became more interested in the role of Bart, so Simpsons creator Matt Groening let her try out for that part instead, and upon hearing her read, he gave her the job on the spot.[10] Smith had initially been asked by casting director Bonita Pietila to audition for the role of Bart, but Pietila then realised that Smith's voice was too high,[11][12] Smith was given the role of Lisa instead, although she almost turned it down.[13] When the show was commissioned for a full half-hour series, Shearer joined the cast and performed multiple roles. Groening and Sam Simon asked Shearer to join the cast as they were fans of his radio show.[14] Azaria was only a guest actor in the first season, but became permanent in season 2.[15] He first appeared in "Some Enchanted Evening", re-recording Christopher Collins's lines as Moe Szyslak. As he joined later than the rest of the cast, Groening still considers Azaria the "new guy."[16]
Up until 1998, the six main actors were paid $30,000 per episode. In 1998 they were then involved in a pay dispute in which Fox threatened to replace them with new actors and went as far as preparing for casting of new voices. However, the issue was soon resolved and from 1998 to 2004, they were paid $125,000 per episode. In 2004, the voice actors intentionally skipped several table reads, demanding they be paid $360,000 per episode.[17] The strike was resolved a month later[18] and until 2008 they earned something between $250,000[19] and $360,000 per episode.[20] In 2008, production for the twentieth season was put on hold due to new contract negotiations with the voice actors, who wanted a "healthy bump" in salary to an amount close to $500,000 per episode.[20] The dispute was soon resolved, and the actors' salary was raised to $400,000 per episode.[21]
In 2011, Fox announced that, due to financial difficulties, they were unable to continue to produce The Simpsons under its current contract and that unless there were pay cuts, the show could end.[22] For the negotiations, the studio requested that the cast members accept a 45% cut of their salaries so that more seasons could be produced after season 23, or else that season would be the last.[23] In the end, the studio and the actors reached a deal, in which the actors would take a pay cut of 30%, down to just over $300,000 per episode, prolonging the show to its 25th season.[24] As well as the actors, everybody involved in the show took a pay cut.[25]
[edit] Main cast
[edit] Other regular cast
[edit] Recurring guest voices
| Actor |
Character(s) |
Notes |
| Marcia Wallace |
Mrs. Krabappel, Ms. Melon[34] |
Wallace is always credited as a special guest star, even though she has appeared in over 100 episodes since the series' inception.[35] |
| Kelsey Grammer |
Sideshow Bob[36] |
Grammer has appeared since 1990.[36] |
| Joe Mantegna |
Fat Tony[37] |
Mantegna has appeared since 1991.[37] |
| Albert Brooks |
Hank Scorpio, Jacques "Brunswick", Cowboy Bob, Brad Goodman, Tab Spangler[38] |
Brooks has appeared as one-time characters in several episodes since 1990.[38] |
| Jon Lovitz |
Artie Ziff, Professor Lombardo, Aristotle Amadopoulos, Jay Sherman, Llewellyn Sinclair and Mrs. Sinclair, Enrico Irritazio[39] |
Lovitz has appeared in several episodes since 1991.[39] |
| Jan Hooks |
Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon[39] |
Hooks has appeared as Manjula since 1997.[39] |
| Maurice LaMarche |
Various minor characters[39] |
LaMarche has appeared in several minor roles since 1995.[39] |
| Jane Kaczmarek |
Judge Constance Harm[39] |
Kaczmarek has appeared as Judge Harm since 2001.[39] |
[edit] Former cast members
| Actor |
Character(s) |
Notes |
| Doris Grau |
Lunchlady Doris, other minor roles[34] |
Voiced between 1989 and 1996, when Grau died.[40] |
| Phil Hartman |
Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz[36] |
Voiced between 1991 and 1998, when the characters were retired due to Hartman's death.[41] |
| Frank Welker |
Santa's Little Helper, Snowball II and various other animals.[34] |
Voiced between 1991 and 2002. Dan Castellaneta now provides the voices after Welker left the show, having asked for a raise because the voices were hurting his throat.[42] |
| Marcia Mitzman Gaven |
Maude Flanders, Helen Lovejoy, Elizabeth Hoover[34] |
Voiced the majority of Maggie Roswell's characters between 1999 and 2002, while Roswell had left the show over a pay dispute. Gaven has not appeared since Roswell's return at the start of season 14.[43] |
| Jo Ann Harris |
Various |
Voiced various additional parts between 1989 and 1992, but has not appeared since.[44][45][46] |
| Christopher Collins |
Moe Syszlak, Mr. Burns, the presenter of America's Most Armed and Dangerous |
Collins provided the voices of Mr. Burns in several season one episodes, but was replaced in the role by Harry Shearer. He also recorded the original voice of Moe for "Some Enchanted Evening" but was overdubbed by Hank Azaria.[47] Collins died in 1994.[48] |
[edit] Awards and nominations
[edit] References
- General
- Richmond, Ray; Antonia Coffman (1997). The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to our Favorite Family. Harper Collins Publishers. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0-00-638898-1.
- Gimple, Scott M.; Matt Groening (December 1, 1999). The Simpsons Forever!: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family ...Continued. HarperCollins. pp. 86–87. ISBN 978-0060987633.
- McCann, Jesse L.; Matt Groening (2002). The Simpsons Beyond Forever!: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family ...Still Continued. Harper Collins Publishers. pp. 116–117. ISBN 0-06-050592-3.
- McCann, Jesse L.; Matt Groening (2005). The Simpsons One Step Beyond Forever!: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family ...Continued Yet Again. HarperCollins. pp. 118–119. ISBN 0-06-081754-2.
- Bates, James W.; Gimple, Scott M.; McCann, Jesse L., Richmond, Ray; Seghers, Christine, ed (2010). Simpsons World The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1–20 (1st ed.). Harper Collins Publishers. pp. 1096–1119. ISBN 978-0-00-738815-8.
- Specific
- ^ Finley, Adam (2006-06-20). "The Five: Great Simpsons guest stars". TV Squad. http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/06/20/the-five-great-simpsons-guest-stars/. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ Groening, Matt; James L. Brooks, David Silverman (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Groening, Matt; Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky, Al Jean, David Silverman (2002). The Simpsons season 2 DVD commentary for the episode "Old Money" (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ O'Niel, Tom (2006-07-20). "Shearer snubbed again! Blame that Mr. Burns?". Los Angeles Times. http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2006/07/shearer_snubbed.html. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ a b O'Neil, Tom (2010-07-08). "After losing first Emmy bid last year, Harry Shearer back to being snubbed for 'The Simpsons'". Los Angeles Times. http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/the_simpsons/. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
- ^ a b c "The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards and 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Nominees are...". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. 2009-07-16. http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2009ptemmys/61stemmys_noms.php. Retrieved 2009-07-16.
- ^ "Primetime Emmy Awards Advanced Search". Emmys.org. http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
- ^ "The Voice Behind Homer Simpson Steps into the Spotlight and...D'oh!". Barnes & Noble. 2002-04-25. http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/Interview.asp?CTR=583498. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
- ^ Lee, Luaine (2003-02-27). "D'oh, you're the voice". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/27/1046064146568.html. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
- ^ "Bart's voice tells all". BBC News. 2000-11-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
- ^ Larry Carroll (2008-10-26). "'Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ^ Charles Miranda (2007-12-08). "She who laughs last". The Daily Telegraph: p. 8E.
- ^ Heidi Vogt (2004-04-04). "She’s happy as Lisa Simpson, although she’d like more d’oh". The Spokesman-Review (Associated Press).
- ^ "Harry Shearer". Listen to Me. http://www.listentome.net/stuff51.php. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
- ^ Azaria, Hank (2004-12-06). Fresh Air. Interview with Terry Gross. National Public Radio. WHYY-FM. Philadelphia. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4679119. Retrieved 2007-08-15.
- ^ Groening, Matt (2001). The Simpsons The Complete First Season DVD commentary for the episode "Some Enchanted Evening" (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Dan Glaister (2004-04-03). "Simpsons actors demand bigger share". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
- ^ "'Simpsons' Cast Goes Back To Work". CBS News. 2004-05-01. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/01/entertainment/main615066.shtml. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
- ^ Peter Sheridan (2004-05-06). "Meet the Simpsons". Daily Express.
- ^ a b Michael Schneider (2008-05-19). "Still no deal for 'Simpsons' cast". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117986121.html?categoryId=14&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
- ^ Nellie Andreeva (2008-06-02). "'Simpsons' voice actors reach deal". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2008-06-03. http://web.archive.org/web/20080603070201/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1c16b1977c35ad0b7e1ca0230b62ca88. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
- ^ News.com.au (2011-10-05). "Take a pay cut or the show is over, The Simpsons execs tell series' stars". news.com.au. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/take-a-pay-cut-or-the-show-is-over-the-simpsons-execs-tell-series-stars/story-e6frfmyi-1226158740139. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
- ^ Snierson, Dan (October 4, 2011). "'Simpsons' studio says show cannot continue without cutting costs". Entertainment Weekly. http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/10/04/simpsons-end-of-show-season-23-contract/. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
- ^ Block, Alex Ben (October 7, 2011). "'The Simpsons' Renewed for Two More Seasons". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (October 11, 2011). "The Simpsons Executive Producer Al Jean on How the Show Was Saved". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/News/Simpsons-Executive-Producer-1038600.aspx. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1096-1099
- ^ Bates et. al., p. 1099
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1099-1100
- ^ Bates et. al., p. 1100
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1100-1004
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1105-1007
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1108-1111
- ^ Bates et. al., pp. 1107-1008
- ^ a b c d e f g Bates et. al., p. 1111
- ^ Warren Martyn; Adrian Wood (2000). "Grade School Confidential". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season8/page19.shtml. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
- ^ a b c Bates et. al., p. 1114
- ^ a b c Bates et. al., p. 1116
- ^ a b Bates et. al., p. 1112
- ^ a b c d e f g h Bates et. al., p. 1115
- ^ Dean Robinson (1996-01-08). "TBS Premieres 'Survivors of the Holocaust'". Journal Gazette: p. 4D.
- ^ Groening, Matt (2004-12-29). Fresh Air. Interview with Terry Gross. National Public Radio. WHYY-FM. Philadelphia. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4249835. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
- ^ a b "Ask Frank!". The Frank Welker Homepage. http://www.mkbmemorial.com/FWHp/ask_frank.html. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
- ^ a b Basile, Nancy. "There's a New Maude in Town". About.com. http://animatedtv.about.com/od/maggieroswell/a/roswellreturn.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ^ Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). "The Simpsons Christmas Special". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season1/page1.shtml. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
- ^ Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). "Lisa the Beauty Queen". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season4/page5.shtml. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
- ^ Reiss, Mike. (2003). Commentary for "Flaming Moe's", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Silverman, David (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Some Enchanted Evening" (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ "Chris Latta". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0490383/. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
- ^ a b c d e f "Briefing–'Simpsons' score big in Prime-Time Emmys". Daily News of Los Angeles. 1992-08-03. p. L20.
- ^ The Associated Press (1993-09-21). "The Emmy Awards: The Complete List of Winners". The Palm Beach Post: p. 3D.
- ^ "Legacy: 23rd Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1995)". Annie Awards. http://annieawards.org/23rdwinners.html. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ "Legacy: 25th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1997)". Annie Awards. http://annieawards.org/25thwinners.html. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ The Associated Press (1998-09-14). "Emmy Prime-Time Award Winners". The Seattle Times. p. E3.
- ^ Elaine Dutka (2001-08-14). "Morning Report". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2001/aug/14/entertainment/ca-33997. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ "Early Bird Emmys: Voice-Over, Animation". Emmys.org. 2003-07-17. http://www.emmys.org/primetime/2003/awards/2003creativevoanimation.php. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ Denise Martin and Justin Chang (2004-09-12). "HBO takes Emmys big haul". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117910337.html?categoryid=14&cs=1. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ "Television Academy Announces 2006 Emmy Award Winners in Juried Categories; Costumes For A Variety or Music Program, Voice Over Performance and Individual Achievement in Animation". Emmys.org. 2006-07-19. http://cdn.emmys.tv/media/releases/2006/rel_pte58_juried.php. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ "Legacy: 35th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2007)". Annie Awards. http://annieawards.org/35thwinners.html. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ Bates et. al., p. 1110
- ^ Bates et. al., p. 1117
- ^ "Maude Flanders will likely leave Simpsons". The Record: p. F04. 2000-02-05.
- ^ Koha, Nui Te (2000-02-06). "Ned faces life alone". Sunday Herald Sun: p. 025.
[edit] External links
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The Simpsons cast members
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| Main cast |
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| Recurring cast |
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| Recurring guest stars |
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| Former cast |
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