Harry Shearer is back on ‘The Simpsons’

Todd Leopold
By Todd Leopold, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 2:32 PM EDT, Tue July 7, 2015
Harry Shearer is just one of the many "Simpsons" voices -- who creates many more "Simpsons" voices. He does Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner. Click through for more of the other members of the show's cast.
Harry Shearer is just one of the many "Simpsons" voices -- who creates many more "Simpsons" voices. He does Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner. Click through for more of the other members of the show's cast.
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images/fox
Dan Castellaneta supplies the voices of Homer Simpson, Barney Gumble, Grampa Simpson and Mayor Quimby, not to mention Krusty the Klown and Groundskeeper Willie.
Dan Castellaneta supplies the voices of Homer Simpson, Barney Gumble, Grampa Simpson and Mayor Quimby, not to mention Krusty the Klown and Groundskeeper Willie.
Craig Barritt/Getty Images for WGAw/fox
Julie Kavner is Marge Simpson and Marge's sisters, the scourges of the Springfield DMV, Patty and Selma Bouvier.
Julie Kavner is Marge Simpson and Marge's sisters, the scourges of the Springfield DMV, Patty and Selma Bouvier.
Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images/fox
Nancy Cartwright gives voice to Bart Simpson, Nelson Muntz and Ralph Wiggum, as well as others.
Nancy Cartwright gives voice to Bart Simpson, Nelson Muntz and Ralph Wiggum, as well as others.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/fox
Yeardley Smith supplies the voice of Lisa Simpson.
Yeardley Smith supplies the voice of Lisa Simpson.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/FOX
Where would "The Simpsons" be without Hank Azaria? The versatile voice actor does Apu, Comic Book Guy, Chief Wiggum and Moe -- as well as Dr. Nick, Snake Jailbird and the always entertaining Bumblebee Man.
Where would "The Simpsons" be without Hank Azaria? The versatile voice actor does Apu, Comic Book Guy, Chief Wiggum and Moe -- as well as Dr. Nick, Snake Jailbird and the always entertaining Bumblebee Man.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival/FOX
Pamela Hayden gives voice to two boys on opposite ends of the charm spectrum: Milhouse Van Houten and Jimbo Jones. She's also the person behind Rod Flanders, Janey Powell and Malibu Stacy.
Pamela Hayden gives voice to two boys on opposite ends of the charm spectrum: Milhouse Van Houten and Jimbo Jones. She's also the person behind Rod Flanders, Janey Powell and Malibu Stacy.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/FOX
Tress MacNeille's characters include Crazy Cat Lady and Dolph Starbeam.
Tress MacNeille's characters include Crazy Cat Lady and Dolph Starbeam.
Frank Micelotta/Invision for FOX Broadcasting/AP/FOX
Maggie Roswell is the voice of Milhouse's mother, Luann, as well as such figures as Helen Lovejoy and the late Maude Flanders.
Maggie Roswell is the voice of Milhouse's mother, Luann, as well as such figures as Helen Lovejoy and the late Maude Flanders.
The Denver Post/getty images/fox
The urbane tones of Kelsey Grammer provide the wit and glory of Sideshow Bob, who's been known to sing a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta or two.
The urbane tones of Kelsey Grammer provide the wit and glory of Sideshow Bob, who's been known to sing a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta or two.
Jemal Countess/Getty Images/FOX
Joe Montegna drops by "The Simpsons" to do the voice of occasional character Fat Tony.
Joe Montegna drops by "The Simpsons" to do the voice of occasional character Fat Tony.
Tiffany Rose/WireImage/getty images/fox
The late Marcia Wallace supplied the voice of Mrs. Edna Krabappel for many years. Her character, like those of the late Phil Hartman (Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz), was essentially retired upon her death.
The late Marcia Wallace supplied the voice of Mrs. Edna Krabappel for many years. Her character, like those of the late Phil Hartman (Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz), was essentially retired upon her death.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images/fox
'Simpsons' voice actors and their characters

Story highlights

Harry Shearer will return to "The Simpsons" for the new season

Shearer and the show were in a contract dispute

CNN  — 

Exxxxx-cellent.

Looks like Harry Shearer isn’t leaving “The Simpsons” after all.

Shearer – who had apparently left the show over a contract dispute in May – will be returning to the show for its 27th season this fall. The actor’s “Simpsons” characters include Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner.

Fox said in a statement Tuesday, “Following the announcement of THE SIMPSONS’ renewal for an unprecedented 27th and 28th seasons, FOX is proud to confirm that each and every member of the iconic series’ voice cast will be returning in the roles they’ve brought to life since the show’s beginnings as a series of animated shorts nearly 30 years ago.”

According to EW, Shearer signed the same contract as the show’s other principals: Dan Castellaneta, Yeardley Smith, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright and Hank Azaria. The deal pays each cast member more than $300,000 per episode, the site reported.

25 random facts about ‘The Simpsons’

Even after the dispute in May, Shearer hadn’t ruled out continuing with “The Simpsons.”

Asked by CNNMoney whether he were really ending his run, he had two words: “stay tuned.” And James L. Brooks, one of the show’s producers, tweeted, “Hey, we tried. We’re still trying. Harry, no kidding, let’s talk.”

Even showrunner Al Jean, who had taken a harder line with Shearer, told CNNMoney at the time that “the door is open right now,” though he also noted that the show was prepared to go on without the actor.

“I hope he comes back, and I hope he tells us soon what his plan is, and if he doesn’t, the show will continue regardless,” Jean said.

The new season will begin September 27.