'The Simpsons' Drops Harry Shearer, Voice of Ned Flanders and Mr Burns

May 14, 2015 3:24 AM EDT

Simpsons voice veteran Harry Shearer declared on Twitter Thursday that he would no longer be working with the iconic animated series.

The actor provides the voices for four characters — Mr Burns, Ned Flanders, Waylon Smithers and Principal Skinner. Shearer said that a lawyer for executive producer James L. Brooks said that he “will not be part of” the show going forward. Shearer appeared to welcome the decision as an opportunity for him to pursue other projects.

from James L. Brooks' lawyer: "show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.". (1/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

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

Thanks, Simpsons fans, for your support.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

The Hollywood Reporter said that the Emmy-winning Shearer had been the “lone cast holdout” in negotiations with Fox over seasons 27 and 28 of the hugely popular cartoon.

Shearer has been with the Simpsons since the show’s beginnings in 1989. Fox has not commented on his departure.

The Actor Who Voices Ned Flanders and Mr Burns Is No Longer Part of The Simpsons

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