In addition to the show's regular cast of voice actors, celebrity guest stars have been a staple of The Simpsons , an American animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company, since its first season. The Simpsons focuses on the eponymous family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. The family was initially conceived by Groening for a series of animated shorts, which originally aired as a part of The Tracey Ullman Show between 1987 and 1989. The shorts were developed into a half-hour prime time series which began in December 1989. [1] The series' 35th season ended on May 19, 2024, and 768 episodes of The Simpsons have aired. A feature film adaptation of the series called The Simpsons Movie , was released in 2007.
Guest voices have come from a wide range of professions, including actors, athletes, authors, musicians, artists, politicians and scientists. In the show's early years most guest stars voiced original characters, but as the show has continued the number of those appearing as themselves has increased.
The first credited guest star was Marcia Wallace who appeared in "Bart the Genius" in her first stint as Bart's teacher Edna Krabappel. Singer Tony Bennett was the first guest star to appear as himself, appearing briefly in the season two episode "Dancin' Homer". Several guest stars have featured as recurring characters on the show, including Phil Hartman, Joe Mantegna and Kelsey Grammer. After Wallace, Hartman made the most appearances, guest starring 52 times. Mantegna has appeared over forty times, Grammer, Maurice LaMarche, Jon Lovitz and Frank Welker have appeared twenty times or more; Albert Brooks, Glenn Close and Jackie Mason have appeared ten or more times, while Michael Dees, Dana Gould, Terry W. Greene, Valerie Harper, Jan Hooks, Jane Kaczmarek, Stacy Keach, Kipp Lennon, J. K. Simmons, Sally Stevens, George Takei and Michael York have made over five appearances.
Three guest stars, Ricky Gervais, Seth Rogen and Pete Holmes, earned writing credits for the episodes in which they appeared. Grammer, Mason and three-time guest star Anne Hathaway all won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for guest voice roles on the show. The show was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Most Guest Stars Featured in a TV Series" in 2010. As of May 19, 2024, there have been 981 guest stars on the show, [A] with this figure rising to 985 if The Simpsons Movie is included.
Guest stars have appeared on The Simpsons since its first season, in addition to the show's main cast of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer and supporting cast of Tress MacNeille, Pamela Hayden, Maggie Roswell, Chris Edgerly, Dawnn Lewis, Grey DeLisle, Alex Désert, Jenny Yokobori, Kimberly D. Brooks, Tony Rodríguez and Jonathan Lipow and former supporting cast members Jo Ann Harris, Russi Taylor, Christopher Collins, Susan Blu, Lona Williams, Doris Grau, Karl Wiedergott, Melanie Minchino, Eric Lopez and Marcia Mitzman Gaven. [2] Kevin Michael Richardson started as a recurring guest star in the twenty first season, but joined the supporting cast in the twenty eighth, starting with the episode "The Last Traction Hero".
Guest voices have come from a wide range of professions, including actors, athletes, authors, musicians, artists, politicians, scientists, historians, film producers, film directors, and animators. In the earlier seasons, most of the guest stars voiced characters, but eventually more started appearing as themselves. [3] The first male guest star was actor Sam McMurray, who voiced a worker at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant in "Homer's Odyssey", the show's third episode, and Marcia Wallace was the first female guest star on the show starting from "Bart the Genius" as Edna Krabappel and Ms. Melon. Singer Tony Bennett was the first guest star to appear as himself, appearing in the season two episode "Dancin' Homer" while Aerosmith were the first band with their cameo in the third season's "Flaming Moe's".
Several guest stars have made multiple appearances on the show, often as recurring characters. Actress Marcia Wallace guest starred 176 times, making her the most recurring female guest star on the show, until her death in 2013. Edna Krabappel was then retired from the show, but sometimes appears as a ghost, and actor Phil Hartman guest-starred in 52 episodes, more than any other male actor, although his initial role in the second season episode "Bart Gets Hit by a Car" in 1991 was intended to be a one-off. [4] He voiced the recurring characters Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz as well as numerous other one-time characters, until his death in 1998. McClure and Hutz were subsequently retired from the show. [5] Actor Kelsey Grammer first appeared as Sideshow Bob in the first-season episode "Krusty Gets Busted" while actor Joe Mantegna made his first appearance as Fat Tony in the third season episode "Bart the Murderer". The two have appeared in 21 and 28 episodes respectively; Mantegna also appeared in the film. Both roles were originally written for other actors: Bob was originally to be voiced by James Earl Jones, [6] who later guest starred three times on the show, while Fat Tony was written for Sheldon Leonard. [4] Other repeat guest stars include Albert Brooks, Glenn Close, Jan Hooks, Maurice LaMarche, Jon Lovitz, Jane Kaczmarek, Jackie Mason, Charles Napier and Frank Welker.
According to Groening, guest star choices "come from the writers saying, 'Wouldn't it be cool to have [such a person on the show]?'", [7] while showrunner Al Jean has stated the reasoning is "we want to meet our heroes." [8] Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein, showrunners of the seventh and eight seasons, favored guest stars with what they felt were unique and interesting voices such as actors R. Lee Ermey, Donald Sutherland, Kirk Douglas and Lawrence Tierney. [9] In 2014, Jean stated that fewer people would be appearing as themselves, as the staff did not want it to become a "crazy roster". [10]
Many guest stars come into the show's recording studio to record their parts, [7] although some are recorded over the telephone. [11] Three guest stars have been credited with writing the episode in which they guest starred. Comedian Ricky Gervais wrote the episode "Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife", [12] while actor Seth Rogen co-wrote the episode "Homer the Whopper" with Evan Goldberg, and comedian Pete Holmes wrote the two-part "Warrin' Priests" episodes. [13] Two guest stars were credited with pseudonyms. Actor Dustin Hoffman was credited as "Sam Etic" for the episode "Lisa's Substitute" while musician Michael Jackson was credited as "John Jay Smith" for the episode "Stark Raving Dad". After the latter episode, the producers decided that if a celebrity wished to guest star on the show, they had to be willing to be credited under their real name. [14]
Numerous people have rejected the chance to appear on the show. Actor William Shatner has been described as the first person to reject the show. [15] The producers have consistently failed to persuade any former President of the United States to appear. [8] Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan have also rejected multiple invitations to guest star on the series. [16] [17] Other people to turn the show down include actors Michael Caine, [18] Tom Cruise, [19] Clint Eastwood and Anthony Hopkins [20] and director Quentin Tarantino. [21] Musician Prince turned down a role in a sequel to "Stark Raving Dad", which meant the script was never produced. [22]
Others have accepted the offer, but have been unable to record a role. Musician Frank Zappa and actor Anthony Perkins both became too ill to record their parts, [20] [23] while Jim Carrey had to drop out due to time constraints, [24] and Faye Dunaway cancelled. [25] Christopher Walken originally agreed to appear as himself in "Insane Clown Poppy". However, he then decided to demand a lot more money than the producers were willing to pay. Instead, Jay Mohr provided the voice of Walken. The end credits state "Jay Mohr as Christopher Walken". This is the first time this has ever been done.
Robby Krieger of The Doors recorded a cameo for the episode "The Great Money Caper", but his part was cut because the writers felt his appearance seemed too forced. The scene was later included on the season's DVD release. [26] Similarly, actress Catherine O'Hara recorded the voice of Colette the waitress in "Flaming Moe's", but was redubbed with Jo Ann Harris who the producers felt was a better fit. [27] Ron Howard, in what would have been his third appearance on The Simpsons, was advertized as guest starring on "Children of a Lesser Clod". [28] However, he did not appear for any recording sessions. Similarly, Werner Herzog was advertized as guest starring in "Thanksgiving of Horror", in what would have been his third appearance as Walter Hotenhoffer, [29] but did not appear in the final episode.
Mason, Grammer and Anne Hathaway have each won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for their guest voice roles on the show. [30] The show was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Most Guest Stars Featured in a TV Series" on May 23, 2010, with Guinness estimating that the show has featured "at least 555 as of series 21". [31] As of May 19, 2024, there have been 981 guest stars on the show, totalling 1648 guest spots. [A] These figures rise to 985 and 1656 respectively if The Simpsons Movie is counted as well.
Seasons: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 • Movie • 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 • Upcoming • |
The following have been announced as guest stars for upcoming episodes that have not yet aired. This however is subject to change as sometimes in the past announced guest stars have had their appearances cut for time, been removed or replaced, or for some other reason have not appeared in the final episode.
Season | Guest star | Role(s) | No. | Prod. code | Episode title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
36 | John Cena | ? | 769-3601 | 35ABF15 | "Bart's Birthday" [311] |
36 | Danny DeVito | ? (Herbert Powell?) | 769-3601 | 35ABF15 | "Bart's Birthday" [311] |
36 | Tom Hanks | ? | 769-3601 | 35ABF15 | "Bart's Birthday" [311] |
36 | Conan O'Brien | Himself | 769-3601 | 35ABF15 | "Bart's Birthday" [311] [312] |
36 | Several Major League Baseball players | Themselves | 769-3601 | 35ABF15 | "Bart's Birthday" [311] |
36 | Jorge R. Gutierrez | ? | 773-3605 | 35ABF13 | "Treehouse of Horror XXXV" [311] [313] |
36 | Andy Serkis | ? | 775-3607 | 35ABF14 | "Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes" [311] |
The following people have guest starred on the show twice or more.
1 Indicates the figure includes an appearance in The Simpsons Movie 2 Indicates the figure includes an appearance in the Butterfingers commercials 3 Indicates the figure includes an appearance in "Do the Bartman" music video 4 Indicates the figure includes an appearance in a The Simpsons Game 5 Indicates the figure includes an appearance in "The Simpsons Ride" 6 Indicates the figure includes an uncredited appearance 7 Indicates the figure dictates appearances as a recurring guest star up until joining the regular supporting cast
Beyond the television series and the movie, there have been other media products of The Simpsons where guest stars have provided vocal talents in addition to the regular cast. From music videos, to video games, commercials and theme park rides, the following guest stars have appeared in various Simpsons-related media.
Date | Guest star | Role(s) | Media Type | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 2, 1990 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | Music Video | "Do the Bartman" (7F75) |
Nov 4, 1992 | Oprah Winfrey | Herself | Segment | The Oprah Winfrey Show "Oprah Meets the Simpsons" |
1993 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | Commercial | "Bart's Locker" (Butterfinger) |
Sept 5, 1995 | Terry Bradshaw | Himself | Special | "Homer and Bart visiting NFL on FOX" |
Sept 5, 1995 | James Brown | Himself | Special | "Homer and Bart visiting NFL on FOX" |
Sept 5, 1995 | Jimmy Johnson | Himself | Special | "Homer and Bart visiting NFL on FOX" |
Sept 5, 1995 | Howie Long | Himself | Special | "Homer and Bart visiting NFL on FOX" |
Sept 1, 1997 | Phil Hartman | Lionel Hutz Troy McClure | Video Game | "The Simpsons: Virtual Springfield" |
Sept 1, 1997 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | Video Game | "The Simpsons: Virtual Springfield" |
Nov 24, 2001 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | Video Game | "The Simpsons: Road Rage" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Vyolet Diaz | Violet | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | John DiMaggio | Bender | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Kelsey Grammer | Sideshow Bob | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Matt Groening | Himself | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Maurice LaMarche | William Shakespeare | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Billy West | Dr. Zoidberg | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
Oct 30, 2007 | Will Wright | Himself | Video Game | "The Simpsons Game" |
May 15, 2008 | Kelsey Grammer | Sideshow Bob | Theme Park Ride | "The Simpsons Ride" |
May 15, 2008 | Christopher Lloyd | Emmett "Doc" Brown | Theme Park Ride | "The Simpsons Ride" |
Feb 7, 2010 | Maurice LaMarche | News Anchor | Commercial | "Hard Times" Coca-Cola Super Bowl XLIV Commercial |
Apr 22, 2012 | Zooey Deschanel | Herself | Special | "FOX's 25th Anniversary Special" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Terry Bradshaw | Himself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Zooey Deschanel | Herself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Jimmy Johnson | Himself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Howie Long | Himself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Curt Menefee | Himself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Jan 26, 2014 | Michael Strahan | Himself | Promo | "Simpsons Super Bowl XLVIII Promo" |
Oct 13, 2016 | Jimmy Kimmel | Himself | Segment | Jimmy Kimmel Live! "The Simpsons 600th Episode" |
Oct 14, 2018 | Kevin Burkhardt | Himself | Promo | "Milhouse visits MLB on Fox" [314] |
Oct 14, 2018 | David Ortiz | Himself | Promo | "Milhouse visits MLB on Fox" [314] |
Oct 14, 2018 | Alex Rodriguez | Himself | Promo | "Milhouse visits MLB on Fox" [314] |
Oct 14, 2018 | Frank Thomas | Himself | Promo | "Milhouse visits MLB on Fox" [314] |
Jun 24, 2021 | Sona Movsesian | Herself | Special | "Homer Simpson conducts Conan's TBS Exit Interview" [315] |
Jun 24, 2021 | Conan O'Brien | Himself | Special | "Homer Simpson conducts Conan's TBS Exit Interview" [315] |
Jul 7, 2021 | Tom Hiddleston | Loki | Short | "The Good, the Bart, and the Loki" |
Jul 7, 2021 | Maurice LaMarche | Odin | Short | "The Good, the Bart, and the Loki" |
Dec 24, 2021 | Bad Bunny | Himself | Short / Music Video | "Te Deseo Lo Mejor" |
Apr 22, 2022 | Sunkrish Bala | Orchestra Member | Short | "When Billie Met Lisa" |
Apr 22, 2022 | Billie Eilish | Herself | Short | "When Billie Met Lisa" [316] |
Apr 22, 2022 | Finneas O'Connell | Himself | Short | "When Billie Met Lisa" [316] |
Sep 8, 2022 | Tom Hiddleston | Loki | Short | "Welcome to the Club" |
Dec 15, 2022 | Andrea Bocelli | Himself | Short | "The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in 'Feliz Navidad'" [317] |
Dec 15, 2022 | Matteo Bocelli | Himself | Short | "The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in 'Feliz Navidad'" [317] |
Dec 15, 2022 | Virginia Bocelli | Herself | Short | "The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in 'Feliz Navidad'" [317] |
May 10, 2024 | Maurice LaMarche | Darth Vader Rotta The Huttlett | Short | "May the 12th Be With You" |
May 10, 2024 | Seth MacFarlane | Stewie Griffin | Short | "May the 12th Be With You" |
May 10, 2024 | Carolyn Omine | Nani Pelekai | Short | "May the 12th Be With You" |
The show has also had several guest animators who will do their own version of the show's opening credits, from just a couch gag to the whole introduction. Starting from the 22nd season, these following guest animators have contributed to the show:
Season | Guest animator | Production | No. | Prod. code | Episode title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
22 | Banksy | Banksy couch gag | 467–2203 | MABF18 | "MoneyBART" |
23 | John Kricfalusi | John K. couch gag | 488–2302 | NABF17 | "Bart Stops to Smell the Roosevelts" |
23 | Bill Plympton | Plymptoons couch gag | 504–2318 | PABF11 | "Beware My Cheating Bart" |
24 | Bill Plympton | Noir couch gag | 523–2415 | RABF09 | "Black Eyed, Please" |
24 | Stoopid Buddy Stoodios | Robot Chicken couch gag | 528–2420 | RABF12 | "The Fabulous Faker Boy" |
25 | Guillermo del Toro (concept) | Guillermo del Toro opening sequence | 532–2502 | RABF16 | "Treehouse of Horror XXIV" |
25 | Bill Plympton | Channel Changer couch gag | 540–2510 | SABF03 | "Married to the Blob" |
25 | Sylvain Chomet | Sylvain Chromet couch gag | 542–2512 | SABF08 | "Diggs" |
25 | Michał Socha | Homer's Brain couch gag | 549–2519 | SABF14 | "What to Expect When Bart's Expecting" |
26 | Don Hertzfeldt | The Simpsons Travel to the Future (aka, The Sampsans) couch gag | 553–2601 | SABF20 | "Clown in the Dumps" |
26 | Paul Robertson and Ivan Dixon | Simpsons Pixel couch gag | 566–2614 | TABF07 | "My Fare Lady" |
26 | Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon | Rick and Morty couch gag | 574–2622 | TABF16 | "Mathlete's Feat" |
27 | John Kricfalusi | The Couch Gag couch gag | 579–2705 | TABF18 | "Treehouse of Horror XXVI" |
27 | Steve Cutts | LA-Z Rider couch gag | 585–2711 | VABF04 | "Teenage Mutant Milk-Caused Hurdles" |
27 | Bill Plympton | Roomance couch gag | 589–2715 | VABF08 | "Lisa the Veterinarian" |
27 | Eric Goldberg | Disney couch gag | 593–2719 | VABF12 | "Fland Canyon" |
27 | Michał Socha | Build Your Own Couch Gag | 596–2722 | VABF15 | "Orange Is the New Yellow" |
28 | Stoopid Buddy Stoodios | Robot Chicken couch gag (#2) | 611–2815 | WABF08 | "The Cad and the Hat" |
28 | Bill Plympton | The Artiste couch gag | 613–2817 | WABF10 | "22 for 30" |
29 | Bill Plympton | Homer's Face couch gag | 631–2913 | XABF06 | "3 Scenes Plus a Tag from a Marriage" |
30 | Bernard Derriman and Bento Box Entertainment | Bob's Burgers couch gag | 642–3003 | XABF17 | "My Way or the Highway to Heaven" |
31 | Michał Socha and Ron Diamond | The Extremesons couch gag | 680–3118 | YABF13 | "The Incredible Lightness of Being a Baby" [318] |
32 | Bill Plympton | Homer's Family couch gag | 700–3216 | QABF09 | "Manger Things" |
32 | Janine Widget and Katrin von Niederhäusern | Swiss Pocket Knife couch gag | 702–3218 714–3308 | QABF11 UABF01 | "Burger Kings" "Portrait of a Lackey on Fire" |
33 | Stoopid Buddy Stoodios | "All Hail Princess Maggie" couch gag | 710–3304 | QABF19 | "The Wayz We Were" |
33 | SpikerMonster (aka, Mr. Spike R. Monster) | SpikerMonster couch gag | 728–3322 | UABF14 | "Poorhouse Rock" [319] |
34 | Janine Widget and Katrin von Niederhäusern | No Connection couch gag | 729–3401 | UABF16 | "Habeas Tortoise" |
34 | Bill Plympton | The Rug couch gag | 730–3402 | UABF19 | "One Angry Lisa" |
34 | Jacob's Food Diaries | Simpsons Culinary couch gag | 735–3407 | OABF01 | "From Beer to Paternity" [320] |
34 | Stoopid Buddy Stoodios | Part of the Couch couch gag | 741–3413 | OABF06 | "The Many Saints of Springfield" |
35 | Janine Widget and Katrin von Niederhäusern | Thanksgiving Turkey Hand couch gag | 757–3507 | OABF19 | "It's a Blunderful Life" |
Season | Guest star | Role(s) | No. | Prod. code | Episode title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | James Earl Jones | Sideshow Bob | 012–112 | 7G12 | "Krusty Gets Busted" |
Notes: Jones was the original choice for the role of Sideshow Bob, until producers decided on Kelsey Grammer instead. Jones would go on to guest voice several times on the show still, starting in the very next season. [321] | |||||
2 | Ron Taylor | Bleeding Gums Murphy | 018–205 | 7F05 | "Dancin' Homer" |
Notes: Taylor was originally going to reprise the role of Bleeding Gums Murphy from "Moaning Lisa", but could not record the part because he was in New York at the time, so Daryl Coley took over for him. [322] | |||||
2 | William Shatner Bruce Springsteen | Themselves | 024–211 | 7F11 | "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish" |
Notes: Larry King's role was originally intended for Shatner and Springsteen, but both rejected the offer. Shatner turned the offer down because he thought the producers were going to make fun of his speech patterns. [323] | |||||
3 | George Takei | Akira | 038–303 | 7F23 | "When Flanders Failed" |
Notes: Scheduling conflicts stopped Takei from reprising his role as Akira from "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish" so cast member Hank Azaria did an impression of Takei. While Takei would appear in other roles following this, Azaria would then continue to voice Akira for most of the series from then on, until Takei would reprise the role over 20 years later in "What Animated Women Want". [324] | |||||
3 | Sheldon Leonard | Fat Tony | 039–304 | 8F03 | "Bart the Murderer" |
Notes: Originally the producers wanted Leonard, but he turned down the role of Fat Tony that would go to Joe Mantegna. [325] | |||||
3 | Catherine O'Hara | Collette the Waitress | 045–310 | 8F08 | "Flaming Moe's" |
Notes: O'Hara recorded all her lines for Collette, but the producers felt that her voice did not suit the character so used supporting cast member Jo Ann Harris' temp track instead, whereby Harris had done an impression of Shelley Long's character of Diane Chambers from Cheers . O'Hara was still credited at the end of the episode despite all of her dialogue being replaced. [326] | |||||
3 | Bruce Springsteen | Himself | 048–313 | 8F11 | "Radio Bart" |
Notes: Springsteen rejected the show for the second time with his part going to Sting instead. [327] | |||||
3 | Carlton Fisk Rickey Henderson Nolan Ryan Ryne Sandberg | Themselves | 052–317 | 8F13 | "Homer at the Bat" |
Notes: These were some of the known baseball stars approached to guest star, only to turn the offer down. [328] | |||||
3 | Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | 052–317 | 8F13 | "Homer at the Bat" |
Notes: Originally guest star José Canseco was slated to wake up in bed with Edna and miss the game in a parody of Bull Durham , but Canseco's then-wife, Esther Haddad, objected. Edna's part was cut but Wallace had still recorded dialogue and was still credited at the end of the episode. [329] | |||||
4 | Don Rickles | Himself | 067–408 | 9F06 | "New Kid on the Block" |
Notes: The episode's original subplot was intended to include Rickles presenting a comedy show and Homer laughing excessively at his jokes, until Rickles ridicules him. The pair were intended to start fighting and end up having to go to court. Despite production staff being sure that Rickles would appear in the episode, he was reportedly upset by the concept of the storyline, as he did not wish to be portrayed as a "mean guy". When attending a Fox Broadcasting Company publicity event in New York City with Rupert Murdoch, creator Matt Groening was introduced by Murdoch to Rickles. Rickles began shouting at Groening, accusing him of spying on his Las Vegas act and using material from that for the episode. The cast actually had been receiving recordings from Rickles from the 1950s to use as ideas on how to get the style for his animatic portrayal. [330] | |||||
4 | William Shatner George Takei | Themselves | 071–412 | 9F10 | "Marge vs. the Monorail" |
Notes: Both Star Trek actors turned down the role that went to Leonard Nimoy. Shatner turned down the show for the second time, while Takei only rejected the part because he did not want to make fun of public transportation as he was a member of the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District (now the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority). Producers had originally skipped asking Nimoy assuming he would turn the part down, only to be pleasantly surprised when he accepted. [331] | |||||
4 | Tom Cruise | Tom | 073–414 | 9F12 | "Brother from the Same Planet" |
Notes: The producers wrote the part of Tom for Cruise having been informed the actor was interested in guest starring, only for him to reject the part when offered. The role was offered to recurring guest Phil Hartman instead. [19] | |||||
4 | Clint Eastwood Anthony Hopkins Anthony Perkins | Dr. Wolfe | 076–417 | 9F15 | "Last Exit to Springfield" |
Notes: Both Eastwood and Hopkins turned down the role of Dr. Wolfe when offered. Perkins agreed to voice him but died before he could record any lines. The part went to cast member Hank Azaria instead. [20] | |||||
4 | O. J. Simpson | Himself | 076–417 | 9F15 | "Last Exit to Springfield" |
Notes: Simpson was originally wanted for the guest panelist on Smartline, but he turned down the part that would go to Dr. Joyce Brothers instead. Producers later stated they were happy it turned out this way given the controversy that would later surround Simpson. [20] | |||||
4 | Jon Lovitz | Artie Ziff | 078–419 | 9F16 | "The Front" |
Notes: Scheduling conflicts prevented Lovitz from being able to reprise his role of Artie Ziff from "The Way We Was" and Dan Castellaneta filled in the role. Lovitz would go on to voice Ziff in the future. [332] | |||||
4 | Alex Rocco | Roger Meyers, Jr. | 078–419 | 9F16 | "The Front" |
Notes: Scheduling conflicts prevented Rocco from being able to reprise his role of Roger Meyers. Jr. from "Itchy & Scratchy & Marge" and Hank Azaria filled in the role. Azaria would continue to voice the character for the next few seasons, though Rocco did return to the role twice more. [332] | |||||
4 | Jimmy Carter Gerald Ford Wynonna Judd Richard Nixon Ronald Reagan The Rolling Stones | Themselves | 081–422 | 9F19 | "Krusty Gets Kancelled" |
Notes: All of these celebrities were approached to guest star as themselves, but all turned down the offer. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones would later accept guest spots years later in "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation" and their role went to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Of the then-living ex-President of the United States offered parts only Reagan actually responded. [333] | |||||
4 | Prince | Leon Kompowsky | ? | ? | Unproduced sequel to "Stark Raving Dad" |
Notes: A planned follow-up to "Stark Raving Dad", the plot focused on Michael Jackson impersonator Leon Kompowsky returning to Springfield claiming to be the pop star Prince. The script was written by freelancers and polished by Conan O'Brien. According to executive producer Mike Reiss it saw Kompowsky encourage the Springfield residents to "loosen up, become more flamboyant and become more sexually open". Prince originally agreed to voice Kompowsky, but the writers discovered that Prince was referring to a different script entirely written by a friend of his. Prince disliked their script and demanded the other one be used, but the writers refused and the episode was never produced. [334] | |||||
4 | Frank Zappa | Himself | ? | ? | ? |
Notes: Matt Groening and Zappa were friends and mutual fans of each other's work. Zappa had agreed to a guest spot on the show sometime around season 4, but became ill and died before he could record a part. [335] | |||||
5 | Phil Hartman | Lionel Hutz | 091–510 | 1F08 | "$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)" |
Notes: A scene involving Hartman as Lionel Hutz was cut for time. The scene was released as a deleted scene on the DVD set The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season. | |||||
5 | Marvelous Marvin Hagler Wayne Newton Sylvester Stallone Arnold Schwarzenegger Bruce Willis | Themselves | 091–510 | 1F08 | "$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)" |
Notes: Hagler was the original choice for Gerry Cooney's role while Newton was the original pick for Robert Goulet's, but both rejected the offer. There was a brief period when the episode had a different subplot that revolved around the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood. Matt Groening had been told by a spokesperson that if he put Planet Hollywood in The Simpsons, Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Willis, would agree to make guest appearances on the show. The writers of were excited about this so they wrote a new subplot for the episode that featured Planet Hollywood and the three actors. However, for unknown reasons, they were unable to appear in the episode. [336] | |||||
5 | Michael Caine | Himself | 094–513 | 1F10 | "Homer and Apu" |
Notes: Caine was the original choice wanted for James Woods' part, but he turned down the offer. It's possible that producers also wanted Caine to voice himself in "Burns' Heir" that was produced around the same time and only aired five episodes later where Dan Castellaneta did an impression of Caine, but this has not been confirmed. | |||||
5 | Richard Simmons | Robotic Richard Simmons | 099–518 | 1F16 | "Burns' Heir" |
Notes: Simmons was interested in a guest spot but rejected the part when he learned he was going to be a robot. The scene was cut from the episode, but a version where the robot was voiced by Dan Castellaneta was shown as a deleted scene in "The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular". [337] | |||||
6 | Al Gore | Himself | 109–606 | 2F03 | "Treehouse of Horror V" |
Notes: According to Bill Oakley, the then-Vice President Gore was asked to host the Halloween special in season 6 or 7. [338] | |||||
6 | Wayne Gretzky Bobby Orr | Themselves | 111–608 | 2F05 | "Lisa on Ice" |
Notes: According to writer Mike Scully the original draft of the episode featured cameos from the two ice hockey legends, but they were ultimately cut because they had such a good family story. Gretzky would eventually guest star in the episode "The Nightmare After Krustmas" more than 20 years later. [339] | |||||
7 | Faye Dunaway | Herself | 135–707 | 3F05 | "King-Size Homer" |
Notes: Dunaway originally agreed to voice herself in the movie Honk If You're Horny that Homer went to see in the episode, but canceled. | |||||
7 | David Brinkley | Himself | 146–718 | 3F16 | "The Day the Violence Died" |
Notes: The producers were unable to get Brinkley to play his part, so he was instead voiced by Harry Shearer. [340] | |||||
7 | William Hickey | Chester J. Lampwick | 146–718 | 3F16 | "The Day the Violence Died" |
Notes: Hickey was the first choice to voice Chester instead of Kirk Douglas, but he rejected the offer. [340] | |||||
7 | Bob Dylan Bruce Springsteen Neil Young Hole Pearl Jam | Themselves | 152–724 | 3F21 | "Homerpalooza" |
Notes: These musicians were asked to take part in the episode, but declined. While Sonic Youth did appear in the episode, according to producers they would have refused to had Courtney Love (of Hole) accepted. [341] | |||||
8 | Shirley Bassey | Sings "Scorpio" | 155–802 | 3F23 | "You Only Move Twice" |
Notes: The producers wanted James Bond theme vocalist Bassey to sing the theme for Scoprio, but could not get her so Sally Stevens provided the vocals instead. [342] | |||||
8 | Don King | Himself | 156–803 | 4F03 | "The Homer They Fall" |
Notes: King was approached to play himself but declined, so parody character Lucius Sweet replaced him voiced by Paul Winfield. [343] | |||||
8 | Sheryl Crow | To sing "Can I Borrow a Feeling?" | 159–806 | 4F04 | "A Milhouse Divided" |
Notes: Crow was asked to sing Kirk Van Houten's song over the closing credits, but rejected the offer. [344] | |||||
8 | Bob Dylan Wallace Shawn | Coyote | 162–809 | 3F24 | "El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)" |
Notes: Dylan was a potential choice for the voice of the Coyote instead of Johnny Cash, despite having recently rejected the show before. [345] Shawn was another potential candidate according to Bill Oakley, though he would later guest star more than 20 years later as Wallace the Hernia in "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" [346] | |||||
8 | Julie Andrews | Shary Bobbins | 166–813 | 3G03 | "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious" |
Notes: The Mary Poppins actress was originally touted to play her parody, but Maggie Roswell did such a good job for the temp read that the producers decided to keep it. [347] | |||||
8 | Quentin Tarantino | Himself | 166–813 | 3G03 | "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious" |
Notes: Tarantino originally agreed to play himself, but did not agree with the lines he was given and backed out. Dan Castellaneta impersonated him. | |||||
8 | John Turturro | Mr. Mitchell | 173–820 | 4F16 | "The Canine Mutiny" |
Notes: Turturro recorded Mr. Mitchell's dialogue, but when he refused to come in again for some re-takes his audio was cut and Dan Castellaneta re-voiced the character. [348] | |||||
8 | Nicolas Cage William H. Macy Steve Martin | Frank Grimes | 176–823 | 4F19 | "Homer's Enemy" |
Notes: Martin was the original choice for the part of Frank Grimes, but he turned down the offer. He did accept the role of Ray Patterson the very next season in "Trash of the Titans" however. The role went to Hank Azaria, who based his performance of the character on Macy specifically and thought that Macy should have done it. After his performance at the table reads however the producers decided to keep Azaria as the voice. Macy would eventually guest star in the episode "Homer's Paternity Coot". [349] Cage was also another consideration until Azara's performance sealed the deal. [350] | |||||
9 | Marv Albert | Himself | 184–906 | 5F03 | "Bart Star" |
Notes: Albert was originally going to play Roy Firestone's part as a sports radio host, but was dropped following sexual assault charges that were made against him around the time the episode was in pre-production. Albert would later appear in the episode "The Burns and the Bees". [351] | |||||
9 | David Letterman Jerry Seinfeld Garry Shandling | Themselves | 193–915 | 5F10 | "The Last Temptation of Krust" |
Notes: These comedians were other options for Jay Leno's role in the episode, with character designs even done for Shandling. Leno was the first one to commit to the episode. Letterman would later guest star in a couch gag for "The D'oh-cial Network" [352] | |||||
10 | Phil Hartman | Troy McClure | 207–1004 | AABF01 | "Treehouse of Horror IX" |
Notes: Troy McClure was supposed to host The World's Deadliest Executions instead of Ed McMahon, but after Hartman's tragic murder the producers decided to replace the part out of respect. [353] | |||||
10 | Bruce Springsteen Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn Bruce Willis and Demi Moore | Themselves | 208–1005 | 5F19 | "When You Dish Upon a Star" |
Notes: These celebrities were all offered the parts that would go to Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger but turned down the producers. Despite turning down the show multiple times in the past, Springsteen was originally pitched as a solo celebrity visitor and when he rejected the offer it was changed to a celebrity couple. [354] | |||||
10 | Rod Stewart | Himself | 217–1014 | AABF11 | "I'm with Cupid" |
Notes: In early versions of the script Stewart is the musician that comes to Springfield instead of Elton John. [355] | |||||
10 | Howard Stern | Himself | 224–1021 | AABF17 | "Monty Can't Buy Me Love" |
Notes: Stern declined to voice himself, so parody character Jerry Rude was created instead and voiced by Michael McKean for his second guest stint on the show. [356] | |||||
11 | Debbie Reynolds Shirley Temple | Vicki Valentine | 246–1120 | BABF15 | "Last Tap Dance in Springfield" |
Notes: Producers had originally wanted Temple to play parody character Vicki Valentine, but she was unable to record the role. Reynolds was then offered the role too but never responded, leaving Tress MacNeille to voice Vicki instead. [357] | |||||
11 | Drew Barrymore | Becky | 247–1121 | BABF18 | "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge" |
Notes: When the staff learned that Barrymore wanted a part in an episode they wrote several scripts that might suit her. When she was offered the role of Becky or Krusty's daughter Sophie in "Insane Clown Poppy" she chose the latter and guest star Parker Posey voiced Becky instead. [358] | |||||
11 | Bret Michaels | Cyanide Lead Singer | 247–1121 | BABF18 | "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge" |
Notes: Michaels turned down the chance to be the lead singer of Poison tribute band Cyanide. [358] | |||||
11 | Kenny Rogers | Himself | 248–1122 | BABF19 | "Behind the Laughter" |
Notes: Rogers was the original choice for Willie Nelson's part. Rogers even made the writers rewrite the script to remove references to Kenny Rogers Roasters as a condition and when they did still declined. [359] | |||||
12 | Christopher Walken | Himself | 251–1203 | BABF17 | "Insane Clown Poppy" |
Notes: Reports of the nature of Walken not voicing himself after originally agreeing vary, from scheduling conflicts to asking for more money than the producers were willing to pay. Comedian Jay Mohr guest starred instead, doing an impersonation of Walken. | |||||
12 | Robby Krieger | Himself | 255–1207 | CABF03 | "The Great Money Caper" |
Notes: Krieger of The Doors had been promised a guest role on the show after the staff were allowed to use the Doors song "The End" for the episode "Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder". However, during production, executive producer Mike Scully thought that the scene stood out too much and that Krieger's cameo felt "too obviously shoe-horned in," so the scene ended up being cut from the episode. The scene was later included in The Simpsons: The Complete Twelfth Season DVD set. | |||||
12 | Ron Howard | Himself | 268–1220 | CABF16 | "Children of a Lesser Clod" |
Notes: Originally the third act was about the kids taking part in a film directed by Howard for what would have been his third appearance in the show, but it was changed. This is also reflected by the episode originally being titled "The Kids Stay in the Picture" instead. The producers also wanted a famous NBA player to appear in the episode, but none accepted the offer. [360] | |||||
12 | Jim Carrey | Hobo | 269–1221 | CABF17 | "Simpsons Tall Tales" |
Notes: Carrey had agreed to play the singing Hobo, but had to drop out due to time constraints. Hank Azaria did the voice instead. | |||||
13 | Sean Connery Lyle Lovett Gary Oldman | Ultrahouse's celebrity voice | 270–1301 | CABF19 | "Treehouse of Horror XII" |
Notes: All of these actors were under consideration for the role that went to Pierce Brosnan, with Connery the original choice. [361] | |||||
13 | George Lucas | Himself | 287–1318 | DABF13 | "I Am Furious (Yellow)" |
Notes: Producers originally wanted Lucas to hang around in the Android's Dungeon instead of Stan Lee, but after initially being interested Lucas rejected the role after reading the script when he thought the writers were making too much fun of him and the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. [362] | |||||
13 | Michael Clarke Duncan | John Coffey-like Prisoner | 290–1321 | DABF16 | "The Frying Game" |
Notes: While recording lines for the episode, the staff were told that Duncan was visiting the Fox studios. Having not recorded the lines for the character yet, the staff asked Duncan if he wanted to voice the parody of his role from The Green Mile , but he declined. The role went to Hank Azaria and became a recurring character voiced by both Azaria and Kevin Michael Richardson. [363] | |||||
14 | Tom Brokaw | Himself | 294–1403 | DABF20 | "Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade" |
Notes: Brokaw declined the offer to voice himself only because he loved Harry Shearer's impression of him so much he preferred to hear it instead. [364] | |||||
14 | Harvey Fierstein | Karl | 308–1417 | EABF12 | "Three Gays of the Condo" |
Notes: Fierstein was originally asked to reprise his role as Karl from the episode "Simpson and Delilah" in a cameo appearance. In the script, Homer was thrown out of the house by Marge, and encountered Karl. The purpose of the appearance was to introduce a gay couple that Homer would live with. Fierstein however felt that "the script was a lot of very clever gay jokes, and there just wasn't that Simpsons twist" and turned the role down. [365] | |||||
14 | Jon Bon Jovi | Himself | 311–1420 | EABF15 | "Brake My Wife, Please" |
Notes: Bon Jovi was the original choice for Jackson Browne's part. The musician had apparently been keen to guest star, but he did not like the script, specifically a dig at his latest album and a scene where he was going to be covered in spaghetti. [366] | |||||
15 | David Beckham and Victoria Beckham David Bowie Morrissey Rowan Williams | Themselves | 317–1504 | EABF22 | "The Regina Monologues" |
Notes: All were potential English celebrities considered for the episode. The Beckhams were scripted to be seen bickering on the street, but were dropped when Tony Blair agreed to appear and it was deemed that they were not famous enough in the United States and so were not approached. Archbishop of Canterbury Williams was a fan of the show and included in a draft of the script acting as a tour guide and showing some of his relatives around London, but Williams had to reject the part due to other engagements. The producers wanted an English musician for a part and approached Bowie and Morrissey but could not sync up a time to record them so the part was dropped. [367] | |||||
15 | Robert Stack | Himself | 325–1512 | FABF07 | "Milhouse Doesn't Live Here Anymore" |
Notes: Stack was the original host of the episode instead of Isabel Sanford and even recorded his part, but he died before the episode aired and out of respect the producers recast the part. | |||||
16 | Christina Aguilera | Clarissa Wellington | 353–1618 | GABF13 | "A Star Is Torn" |
Notes: Aguilera turned down the role that went to Fantasia Barrino, but not before advertising in the media that she was appearing. [368] | |||||
16 | Joe Mantegna | Fat Tony | 356–1621 | GABF09 | "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Guest Star" |
Notes: Mantegna was touted as playing Fat Tony in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [369] | |||||
18 | James Gandolfini | Dante Calabresis | 379–1801 | HABF15 | "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer" |
Notes: Producers wanted Gandolfini to play Dante, and while The Sopranos actor was a fan of the show he turned down the role because he did not want to play "a hood" again. Joe Pantoliano guest starred in the role instead. [370] | |||||
18 | Kurt Vonnegut | Himself | 384–1806 | HABF19 | "Moe'N'a Lisa" |
Notes: Gore Vidal's part was originally written for Vonnegut, who turned the offer. [371] | |||||
18 | George Clooney | First Mate Billy | 388–1810 | JABF03 | "The Wife Aquatic" |
Notes: Clooney turned down a chance to play a parody of his character from The Perfect Storm and it ended up going to recurring guest star Maurice LaMarche instead. [372] | |||||
18 | Harry Hamlin Peter Wolf | Themselves | 394–1816 | JABF06 | "Homerazzi" |
Notes: Both were touted as guest starring in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [373] | |||||
18 | Ronaldinho | Himself | 395–1817 | JABF10 | "Marge Gamer" |
Notes: Ronaldo almost fell through, so he was their backup choice had that happened. [374] | |||||
Movie | Erin Brockovich Johnny Knoxville | Themselves | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: Brockovich's part was cut for time and pacing. [375] According to Mike Scully in an interview, Knoxville was a potential replacement for Tom Hanks. This however may have been a joke on Scully's part given the context. [376] | |||||
Movie | Minnie Driver | Grievance Counselor | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: The whole subplot of Driver's character helping Bart get through the humiliation after the fallout of his dare with Homer was cut as the producers felt it harmed the pacing of the movie. [377] | |||||
Movie | Isla Fisher | Doomsday Consultant | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: Fisher's character and scene were cut for undisclosed reasons. [378] Animator Derek Thompson later uploaded some of Fisher's part on Vimeo, which was initially part of an animation demo reel. [379] | |||||
Movie | Kelsey Grammer | Sideshow Bob | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: Sideshow Bob had a small cameo holding a "KILL BART" sign amongst the mob who otherwise wanted Homer dead, but it was cut from the movie. [380] | |||||
Movie | Edward Norton | Panicky Man | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: Norton's part was redubbed by Dan Castellaneta because the producers felt the Woody Allen impersonation that Norton did for the character was too distracting. [380] | |||||
Movie | Dave Stewart | Singing Alaska song | M1 | — | The Simpsons Movie |
Notes: The Eurythmics singer recorded a song about Alaska for the movie, but the whole song ended up being cut for pacing. [381] | |||||
19 | Brian Williams | Himself | 410–1910 | KABF03 | "E Pluribus Wiggum" |
Notes: Williams was the first choice for Dan Rather's part, but he turned down the offer. [382] | |||||
20 | Matt Damon | Himself | 422–2002 | KABF15 | "Lost Verizon" |
Notes: According to early reports instead of Denis Leary it was Damon's phone that fell into Bart's hands instead. Whether Damon refused or backed out due to scheduling conflicts or another reason is unknown. [383] | |||||
20 | Kenneth Branagh | Tom O'Flanagan | 434–2014 | LABF11 | "In the Name of the Grandfather" |
Notes: Originally Branagh was touted as the voice of Tom instead of Colm Meaney. Why he was replaced was unknown, but according to Al Jean he recorded his parts. [384] | |||||
20 | Kathy Ireland | Herself | 434–2014 | LABF11 | "In the Name of the Grandfather" |
Notes: Ireland was touted as playing herself in listings for the episode. However, although she appeared in animated form in the episode, a caption stated that the producers asked her to guest voice and that she had declined. Tress MacNeille provided her vocals instead. [385] | |||||
21 | Michelle Obama | Herself | 456–2115 | MABF07 | "Stealing First Base" |
Notes: Obama declined an offer to voice herself, so guest star Angela Bassett did an impression of her instead. [386] | |||||
22 | Jackie Mason | Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky | 479–2215 | NABF08 | "The Scorpion's Tale" |
Notes: Mason was touted as reprising his role as Krusty's father in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [387] | |||||
24 | Jackie Mason | Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky | 530–2422 | RABF17 | "Dangers on a Train" |
Notes: Mason was going to reprise his role as Krusty's father singing a single line in a song, but his part was cut for time.[ citation needed ] | |||||
25 | Christiane Amanpour Gordon Ramsay Aaron Sorkin | Themselves | 533–2503 | RABF18 | "Four Regrettings and a Funeral" |
Notes: These television personalities were all touted as appearing in the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [388] Amanpour would later go on to voice herself a decade later in the Season 35 episode "Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story" | |||||
25 | Jack Black | Milo | 540–2510 | SABF03 | "Married to the Blob" |
Notes: When Black originally voiced Milo in the episode "Husbands and Knives" the producers had to call the actor back in to learn and sing "What's New Pussycat?" in Korean after the song "Goldfinger" (that he had originally also learned and recorded in Korean for them) was not allowed to be used on copyright grounds. According to Matt Selman after the trouble they had put him through they felt bad and could not bring themselves to get him back again, so the character of Milo was instead performed by Maurice LaMarche. [389] | |||||
26 | Joe Mantegna | Fat Tony | 567–2615 | TABF08 | "The Princess Guide" |
Notes: Mantegna was touted as reprising his role as Fat Tony in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [390] | |||||
28 | Joe Mantegna | Fat Tony | 602–2806 | VABF22 | "There Will Be Buds" |
Notes: Mantegna was touted as reprising his role as Fat Tony in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [391] | |||||
28 | Drew Barrymore | Sophie Krustofsky | 606–2810 | WABF02 | "The Nightmare After Krustmas" |
Notes: Barrymore was apparently not interested in returning to the role of Krusty's daughter she originated in "Insane Clown Poppy" so was replaced by Natasha Lyonne for this episode and subsequent appearances as well. [392] Barrymore would however return to voice herself in the Season 34 episode "The King of Nice". | |||||
29 | George Takei | Himself | 628–2910 | XABF03 | "Haw-Haw Land" |
Notes: Takei was touted as guest starring in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [393] | |||||
30 | Daniel Day Lewis | Himself playing Sideshow Daniel Day Lewis | 657–3018 | YABF10 | "Bart vs. Itchy & Scratchy" |
Notes: A scene that never made it into the final broadcast would have featured Lewis playing a Sideshow version of himself. He passed and the scene was cut, but there was an animatic of the scene released online by Matt Selman. [394] | |||||
31 | Werner Herzog | Walter Hotenhoffer | 670–3108 | YABF17 | "Thanksgiving of Horror" |
Notes: Herzog was touted as guest starring in what would be his third appearance as Walter Hotenhoffer in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. Herzog would appear later in the season as Dr. Lund in the episode "Screenless". | |||||
32 | Bill Simmons | Himself | 690–3206 | ZABF22 | "Podcast News" |
Notes: Simmons was touted as guest starring in listings for the episode, but did not appear in the final broadcast. [220] | |||||
32 | Larry David | Golf-loving Rabbi | 697–3213 | QABF06 | "Wad Goals" |
Notes: The producers wanted David for the role but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit they decided not to bother him. [395] | |||||
33 | Renee Ridgeley | Dr. Wendy Sage | 724–3318 | UABF11 | "My Octopus and a Teacher" |
Notes: Ridgeley was noted as returning to the role of Dr. Sage in this episode but never appeared in the final broadcast. [396] | |||||
34 | Stephen King | Magical Gravedigger | 733–3405 | UABF17 | "Not It" |
Notes: The famous author was asked to make what would have been a second guest stint in this episode parodying of his own novel It as a magical gravedigger, but he declined. [397] | |||||
35 | Peter Capaldi | Unknown Role | 758–3508 | 35ABF02 | "Ae Bonny Romance" |
Notes: According to writer Michael Price a part was offered to the Scottish actor known for playing the Twelfth Doctor, but he was unavailable and had to decline. [398] | |||||
Unknown episodes: | |||||
Rejected parts: Kathy Bates, [399] George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, [400] Bill Clinton, [399] Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth, Luke Hemsworth, [401] Barack Obama, [402] Gregory Peck, [330] Smokey Robinson, [403] Bernie Sanders [404] and Tiger Woods. [405] Rejected but accepted later: Martin Short rejected a role early in the show's history, but did agree to play Guthrie Frenel later in the episode "Springfield Splendor". [406]
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The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. Developed by Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon, the series is a satirical depiction of American life, epitomized by the Simpson family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, it caricatures society, Western culture, television, and the human condition.
"Behind the Laughter" is the twenty-second and final episode of the eleventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 21, 2000. In the episode, a parody of the VH1 series Behind the Music, the Simpsons are portrayed as actors on a sitcom, and their dramatic inner turmoil and struggles are detailed. Told in a mockumentary format, the episode presents a fictional version of how The Simpsons began.
"The Dad Who Knew Too Little" is the eighth episode of the fourteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 12, 2003. In the episode, Homer disappoints Lisa on her birthday when he gives her a thoughtless present. He realizes that he knows little about her and decides to hire private detective Dexter Colt to spy on her.
"Trilogy of Error" is the eighteenth episode of the twelfth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons, and the 266th episode overall. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on April 29, 2001. In the episode, Homer's rush to the hospital to re-attach his severed thumb, Lisa's rush to school to win the science fair, and Bart's run-in with an illegal fireworks scheme are interconnected as each act tells the events of the same day, but from a different point of view.
"Lisa's First Word" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It was first broadcast on Fox in the United States on December 3, 1992. In the episode, as the Simpson family gathers around Maggie and tries to encourage her to say her first word, Marge reminisces and tells the story of Lisa's first word. Maggie's first word is voiced by Elizabeth Taylor.
"The Bart Wants What It Wants" is the eleventh episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 17, 2002. In the episode, Bart befriends Rainier Wolfcastle's daughter, Greta. While Greta falls in love with him, Bart only accompanies her because she owns a lot of entertaining things.
"The Great Money Caper" is the seventh episode of the twelfth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on December 10, 2000. In the episode, Homer, along with his son Bart, con people out of their money in order to pay for Homer's broken car. However, after having paid for the repairs, the two decide to continue grifting, which leads to some troublesome situations.
"Lisa the Tree Hugger" is the fourth episode of the twelfth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 19, 2000. In the episode, Lisa falls in love with the leader of a radical environmentalist group and tries to impress him by living in Springfield's oldest tree in order to keep it from being cut down. The episode is based on the story of the American tree sitter Julia Butterfly Hill. Actor Joshua Jackson guest starred in the episode as Jesse.
"Day of the Jackanapes" is the thirteenth episode of the twelfth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 18, 2001. In the episode, Krusty announces his retirement due to interference from network executives and the growing popularity of the game show Me Wantee. When Krusty reveals that all of the episodes featuring Sideshow Bob have been erased, Bob decides to murder Bart again by hypnotizing him into murdering Krusty during his farewell show.
"I Am Furious (Yellow)" is the eighteenth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired in the United States by the Fox network on April 28, 2002. In the episode, Bart creates a comic book series based on his father Homer's anger problems, which turns into a popular Internet cartoon series called Angry Dad. Homer finds out and at first is outraged, but after talking to his family, decides to try to become a less angry person.
"A Star Is Burns" is the eighteenth episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on Fox in the United States on March 5, 1995. In the episode, Springfield decides to hold a film festival, and famed critic Jay Sherman is invited to be a judge.
"The Great Louse Detective" is the sixth episode of the fourteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on December 15, 2002. In the episode, the Simpson family wins a free spa weekend, and Homer is nearly killed when a mysterious figure locks him in a sauna. Chief Wiggum decides to hire someone who can think like a murderer in order to find the mystery assailant. Bart's arch-enemy Sideshow Bob is sent to live with the Simpsons so he can help find Homer's attempted killer, who turns out to be the son of the late Frank Grimes.
"Jaws Wired Shut" is the ninth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 27, 2002. In the episode, Homer's jaw is broken when he collides with a statue of Drederick Tatum. Homer's jaw is wired shut, leaving him unable to speak. At first Marge enjoys Homer's inability to talk, since it makes him a better listener and a more compassionate person. Eventually Marge misses Homer's wild antics. Craving excitement, she enters a demolition derby.
"The Old Man and the Key" is the thirteenth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired in the United States on the Fox network on March 10, 2002. In the episode, Grampa Simpson falls in love with Zelda, a woman who has just moved into the senior home in which Grampa lives. However, Grampa is not the only one in the home who is infatuated with Zelda.
The fifth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons originally aired on the Fox network between September 30, 1993, and May 19, 1994. The showrunner for the fifth production season was David Mirkin who executive produced 20 episodes. Al Jean and Mike Reiss executive produced the remaining two, which were both hold overs that were produced for the previous season. The season contains some of the series' most acclaimed and popular episodes, including "Cape Feare", "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy", "Homer Goes to College", "Deep Space Homer", and "Rosebud". It also includes the 100th episode, "Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song". The season was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and won an Annie Award for Best Animated Television Program as well as an Environmental Media Award and a Genesis Award. The DVD box set was released in Region 1 on December 21, 2004, Region 2 on March 21, 2005, and Region 4 on March 23, 2005.
The third season of the American animated television series The Simpsons originally aired on the Fox network between September 19, 1991, and August 27, 1992. The showrunners for the third production season were Al Jean and Mike Reiss who executive produced 22 episodes for the season, while two other episodes were produced by James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Sam Simon, with it being produced by Gracie Films and 20th Century Fox Television. An additional episode, "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?", aired on August 27, 1992, after the official end of the third season and is included on the Season 3 DVD set. Season three won six Primetime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Voice-Over Performance" and also received a nomination for "Outstanding Animated Program" for the episode "Radio Bart". The complete season was released on DVD in Region 1 on August 26, 2003, Region 2 on October 6, 2003, and in Region 4 on October 22, 2003.
The Simpsons is an American animated television sitcom starring the animated Simpson family, which was created by Matt Groening. He conceived of the characters in the lobby of James L. Brooks's office and named them after his own family members, substituting "Bart" for his own name. The family debuted as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. After a three-season run, the sketch was developed into a half-hour prime time show called The Simpsons, which debuted on December 17, 1989. The show was an early hit for Fox, becoming the first Fox series to land in the top 30 ratings in a season (1990).
"Homer the Father" is the twelfth episode of the twenty-second season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland and written by Joel H. Cohen. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 23, 2011.
"The Man Who Came to Be Dinner" is the tenth episode of the twenty-sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons, and the 562nd episode of the series. The episode was directed by David Silverman and written by Al Jean and David Mirkin. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 4, 2015.