One of the Simpsons actors is displeased with the direction the show has taken of late:
Humorist Harry Shearer, whose disgruntled attitude in real life (and exhibited on his public radio program Le Show) is often transposed into brilliant comedy in the characters he portrays, has indicated that he is so dissatisfied with the course of The Simpsons that he'd "rather not be there now." Shearer, who voices numerous characters on the animated series, including Mr. Burns, Smithers, and Ned Flanders, also complained in an interview with the Irish Examiner that he has been relegated to essentially walk-on parts on the series. Referring to the fact that he reportedly earns $250,000 an episode for recording only a few lines of dialogue per episode, Shearer remarked, "It's possible to make a very nice living and still get totally screwed." His remarks outraged The Simpsons producer, Al Jean, who told the New York Post: "He's a guy who's been a malcontent, in my view. ... For someone earning millions off the show this year ... I just think it's unfathomable for him to take a shot at us."
I have respect for Shearer and find that his routines, when they don't go off into the comedy nether region of "I think this is funny so everyone else will too" (e.g. The OJ Simpson Rap) are generally decent. Unfortunately, the guy has garnered a rather...prickly reputation among his peers and industry professionals for being arrogant and something of a hypocrite. He takes paychecks for roles in Godzilla and My Best Friend's Wedding, then promptly turns around and talks shit about everyone involved. He likes to have control over his own material, and when he doesn't get it (SNL and The Simpsons), he tends to become pissy.
As far as being "screwed" while still raking in $250K an episode...Shearer signed the latest contract, just like all the other voice actors. If his working conditions were really that miserable, he should've walked away when he had the chance. As it stands, both he and fellow millionaire Al Jean would probably do well to just shut up already.
Personally, I'm more displeased about the Simpsons sucking for the last few years than I am about a surfeit of Shearer content per se.
Okay, wrong word.
Hey, at least the Family Guy is coming back. I'll still watch the Simpsons. I just doubt it was be as good, in comparison.
Wow! This is the first time I'd ever heard anything about this. I guess I'd be more disappointed if it was Hank Azaria (my favorite) said it.
I love, love, love "The Simpsons," but it should've died in glory a few years ago.
Bring on more "Family Guy."
I agree that The Simpsons should have "died in glory a few years ago." The series now resembles a hack comedian trading on his former glory, stinking up the place and refusing to leave the stage. Hmmm, maybe that's too harsh...wait a minute...no it's not.
Anyway, I don't fault Shearer for complaining about the poor quality of the show. Afterall, when the credits roll, it's his name and the names of the other voice actors that non-showbiz-type people will associate with the show. Of course he wants compensation for his talent (no one likes being exploited) and it's awfully difficult to walk away from a fat paycheck when you're not sure where your next big gig is coming from. Doesn't he have the right to expect a better product if his name is going to be associated with that product? I think this boils down to the ages-old battle between writers, actors and management.
Then again, I could be full of shit.
In answer to BJ's comments, I'd say Shearer should sit down and work with the writers to hash out whatever he perceives to be wrong with the show. If he wants to make an honest attempt to improve the situation, rather than just cashing his paycheck and phoning in his performances, I'd take his criticism more seriously.
And Shearer has made comments of this nature before (as far back as the 5th season). This isn't the 1920s, nobody's holding a gun to his head to make him sign the contract.
Pete, point taken.
Affectionately,
B.J. (always, as the British say, on the job!)
A change in format for the weekly link round-up. A combination of a busy working week a lack of decent material to link has conspired to keep my folder of links rather thin. So instead I'm going to feature a few blogs I read on a constant basis (daily ......
| --Posted to Simon World on Aug 13, 2004 2:43 AM:. |
You're right on about this guy being a chronic whiner. I read "Live From New York" (the history of SNL), and it's amazing how few of this guy's peers have anything good to say about him. He's the comedy equivalent of Nomar Garciaparra or Bobby Bonilla... cancer in the clubhouse.