Harry Shearer, the actor who provided the voices for such characters as Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Smithers, Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, and Scratchy, among others, announced this morning that he will be leaving "The Simpsons" -- and leaving behind a reported $14 million offer for two years. The news comes after recent reports of FOX having difficulty coming to terms with some of the cast after they ordered two more seasons of the show. Shearer, who has been with the show for 26 years, tweeted: "This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work." Showrunner Al Jean told CNN Money that the characters played by Shearer will not be killed off or retired, as done with other characters when their voice actor had passed away, but will instead be recast. I wonder if Bart will notice the difference in next seasons' Itchy and Scratchy.
