Has Mr. Burns finally met his end? Is Principal Skinner joining Edna Krabappel in “The Simpsons” heaven? What the diddly-idly is gonna happen to Ned Flanders?
Harry Shearer, a longtime cast member of The Simpsons, said in a tweet that he won’t be part of upcoming seasons of the Fox animated TV show.
The news, Shearer said, came from producer James L. Brooks’ lawyer.
The news comes after Fox announced that it had renewed the long-running TV show for two more seasons – extending it into its 28th season in 2017.
The season 26th finale of The Simpsons airs Sunday.
Shearer, who has been part of the cast since the show’s first season in 1989, has voice dozens of characters including Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Reverend Lovejoy, and Dr. Hibbert. and Lenny.
If he is indeed leaving, that would be a huge loss to the legendary show.
EW.com reports that while other principal cast members including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith and Hank Azaria had signed contracts for the upcoming two years, Shearer had not.
Shearer on Twitter thanked fans for their support.
– USA Today contributed to this report.