Harry Shearer, The Voice Of Mr. Burns, Quits The Simpsons

‘The Simpsons’ has apparently lost one of its most recognisable voices.

Harry Shearer, who voices Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders and Principle Skinner, is leaving Fox’s animated series after 26 seasons.

He tweeted the news on Wednesday night.

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“This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work,” he wrote.

His message suggested that his departure was over a contract dispute. Shearer wrote that the lawyer for ‘Simpsons’ producer James L. Brooks’ delivered the news: “Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.”

Later on Wednesday, he tweeted a message to ‘Simpsons’ fans, thanking them for their support.

Fox recently renewed the venerable series for two more seasons through 2017.

The rest of the ‘Simpsons’ voice cast recently signed two-year extensions, logging on for seasons 27 and 28, with Shearer being the only one holding out. He also tweeted a shot at Fox earlier this month, slamming a press release announcing that the show was picked up for two more seasons that failed to recognize the voice actors.

Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, and Hank Azaria are all still set to return for the next two seasons. Production on season 27 has already begun without Shearer.

The show has survived contact issues before, although without losing its cast members. In 2011, 20th Century Fox Television looked to cut costs of the aging show by dealing a hefty pay cut to the voice cast. The cast did eventually agree to the cut after tense negotiations, though the salary reduction was not as steep as the studio originally proposed.

Fox could not immediately be reached for comment. The season 26 finale of ‘The Simpsons’ will air on Fox on Sunday.

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Image credits: Fox/AP