The Cast of The Simpsons

Season 9, Episode 908

Original Airdate: February 9, 2003

In anticipation of the landmark 300th episode of The Simpsons, James Lipton sat down with the series' accomplished ensemble to meet the actors behind the voices in order to discover how they have managed to create such a wealth of believable and beloved characters.

From its humble beginnings as hastily drawn short segments on Fox's The Tracey Ullman Show, few would have guessed that Matt Groening's creation (inspired in part by his own family) would become a global cultural icon, a licensing and merchandising phenomenon, and a comedic television juggernaut. A significant part of that unparalleled success lies in the exceptional caliber of voice acting provided by these six versatile performers:

Dan Castellaneta provides the voice of Homer Simpsons, for which he has won two Emmy Awards. His repertoire goes far deeper, though, and includes the voices of Homer's father Abe Simpson, kiddie show personality Krusty the Clown, angry Scotsman Groundskeeper Willie, and corrupt, womanizing Mayor 'Diamond Joe' Quimby. In addition to his work on The Simpsons and in other animated movies and series, Castellaneta has appeared in numerous plays and films, and is an alum of Chicago's acclaimed Second City.

Julie Kavner first became known to TV audiences as the hapless Brenda Morgenstern, sister to Valerie Harper's title character on the television series Rhoda. Her noteworthy screen career includes roles in several Woody Allen films (including Radio Days, New York Stories and Deconstructing Harry) and as a sympathetic nurse in Penny Marshall's Awakenings. Like many of The Simpsons ensemble, she came to the show as a regular on The Tracey Ullman Show, lending her voice to the character of Marge Simpsons. She has since created an extended female family for Marge, including mother Jackie Bouvier, and siblings Patty Bouvier and the oft-married Selma Bouvier Terwilliger Hutz McClure.

The name Nancy Cartwright is a highly notable entry into the long roster of talented adult women who have achieved great success providing the voices of animated little boys. As the voice behind good-natured reprobate Bart Simpson, she has given the world such indelible phrases as “Don't have a cow, man” and “Ay Carumba!” Aside from The Simpsons, her extensive voice acting credits have taken her from My Little Pony and The Little Mermaid to Animaniacs, Rugrats and beyond.

Yeardley Smith was born in Paris, France, so it seems natural that she would breath life into francophile Lisa Simpson. To judge from her work on The Simpsons and elsewhere, Smith has a lot in common with her animated counterpart: a keen intelligence, an energetic spirit, and emotional honesty.but thankfully not spikey yellow hair.

While not the role of an actual member of the Simpson family, Hank Azaria does give voice to a significant portion of the Springfield population. His roster includes such favorites as Police Chief Wiggum, the otherwise unnamed Comic Book Guy, nutty Professor Frink, barkeep Moe Szylak and overworked store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. His talents have also served him well in notable live-action roles in host of films, including The Birdcage, Great Expectations, Godzilla and Cradle Will Rock.

In Harry Sherer's prolific and extremely funny career, he has offered up no shortage of memorable characters. Among the most popular have been This Is Spinal Tap's bass player, Derek Smalls, and tightfisted Springfield billionaire C. Montgomery Burns. His range and versatility enable him to give voice to a host of other Simpsons characters including Burns's lackey Smithers, Simpson neighbor Ned Flanders, Principal Seymour Skinner, the Reverend Lovejoy and intergalactic invader Kang.