Simpsons producer's offer to Harry Shearer

Simpsons producer James L Brooks has extended an olive branch to Harry Shearer.

Last night the actor and comedian announced that he was leaving the show, and quoted Brooks' lawyer saying: 'Show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.'

Shearer has been with the show since the start, voicing Mr Burns, Smithers, Principal Skinner and Ned Flanders, among others.

He insisted his decision was 'not about money', despite some reports to the contrary, but over 'what we've always had: the freedom to do other work'.

After the story went global, producer Al Jean tweeted: 'The show will go on, made by people who love it and see in it the most wonderful vehicle for satire ever.'

But now his colleague Brooks seemed to have left the door open, posting: Hey, we tried. We're still trying. Harry, no kidding, let's talk.'

The Simpsons was recently renewed for its 27th and 28th seasons, but 71-year-old Shearer criticised the Fox network for announcing the seasons before all the cast were in place.

This Is Spinal Tap star Shearer also also voiced Dr. Hibbert, Lenny Leonard, Kent Brockman and Scratchy, among many others.

Here he is in action – and here are ten other Simpsons characters he portrayed:

Published: 14 May 2015