The Simpsons’ Harry Shearer: ‘I don’t know if it’s aged well – I’ve never seen it’

Harry Shearer, known for his iconic voice work on *The Simpsons*, recently reflected on both his career and the enduring legacy of the show. While he remains a central figure in the series, voicing multiple characters including Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, and Principal Skinner, Shearer expressed mixed feelings about the show's evolution over the past two decades. "I don't know if it's aged well—I've never seen it," he remarked, acknowledging that while the show's 1990s peak has held up well, he hasn't personally revisited recent seasons. Despite this, he emphasized that he still enjoys his role on the show, appreciating the opportunity to portray a wide range of characters rather than being confined to a single role in another television project.

Shearer also shared insights into the early days of working on *The Simpsons*. He recalled the unique experience of recording episodes with all voice actors present in the same room, allowing for spontaneous interactions and a more dynamic performance process. This contrasted sharply with traditional animation methods, where actors typically record their lines separately without hearing others' contributions. For Shearer, this collaborative environment was a significant draw, offering a sense of realism and immediacy that he values in his craft.

In addition to his work on *The Simpsons*, Shearer has ventured into other creative projects, notably co-writing the musical comedy *Here Comes J Edgar!* with Seinfeld writer Tom Leopold. The production, originally conceived as a one-off radio play in 1994, finally makes its theatrical debut on 10 July at the King’s Head Theatre in north London. Starring Bryan Batt and featuring original music composed by Peter Maltz, the musical explores the life of J. Edgar Hoover, the former FBI director whose tenure was marked by controversy and allegations of abuse of power.

J. Edgar Hoover, who led the FBI for nearly 50 years, played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. law enforcement and implementing scientific advancements such as fingerprinting. However, his leadership was marred by accusations of authoritarianism, including surveillance and harassment targeting communists, immigrants, homosexuals, and the Black community, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. His methods often involved press manipulation, blackmail, and espionage, leading to the detention and deportation of minorities.

Shearer highlighted the parallels between Hoover's tactics and modern issues, noting, "That sounds familiar, doesn't it?" He described Hoover's approach as one of collecting extensive information to ensure his own security and power. This aspect of Hoover's life inspired Shearer and Leopold to create a comedic take on the subject, aiming to highlight the absurdity and irony within the narrative. "The story of Hoover is too grim unless you're having fun with it," Shearer explained, emphasizing the need to balance serious themes with humor to engage audiences effectively.

As *Here Comes J Edgar!* prepares for its debut, it promises to offer a fresh perspective on a complex historical figure, blending satire with insight into the darker aspects of American history. With its blend of musical elements and sharp commentary, the production aims to entertain while prompting reflection on the legacies of power and secrecy that continue to resonate in contemporary society.