It looks like Harry Shearer really is done with The Simpsons. Sources say Shearer turned down a deal that would have paid him $14 million over the next two years. Shearer seemed to indicate the main problem was the freedom to do other projects — he needs it and that the new deal apparently impinged on that.
This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015
Shearer also doesn’t need the money, that’s certain. He’s been with The Simpsons since it began back in 1989 — and he was doing just fine before that too. (Look, the guy co-wrote and starred in This Is Spinal Tap — nuff said.) Still, what projects are so important to the 71-year-old Shearer that he’d leave behind iconic characters like Mr. Burns, Principal Skinner, Rev. Lovejoy and Ned Flanders? AND $7 million a year? Shearer told CNN that in the last four years he’d “created a UK TV series and starred on London stage.” On the stage he starred in Oliver Cotton’s Daytona. The brilliant UK TV show is called NIXON’S THE ONE, which Shearer also stars in. The first episode is below.
