The Simpsons get their voices back
May 2004

The voices of Homer, Marge, Bart and Maggie are back in the recording studio following a strike for higher pay one month ago.

The statement released by 20th Century Fox read: “We couldn’t be happier to have reached a multi-year deal with the enormously talented cast of The Simpsons,” although a spokesperson for the cast said that the actors had no immediate comment themselves, reports Ananova.com.

The details and terms of the agreement were not divulged, said the report.

Showbiz bible ‘Variety’ states that the pay dispute involved Dan Castellaneta, who provides the voice of Homer, Julie Kavner, who voices Marge, Nancy Cartwright who voices Bart, Hank Azaria, the voice of Moe, Harry Shearer, who plays Mr Burns, and Yeardley Smith, who voices Lisa. According to BBC News Online, the pay dispute was believed to involve the renewal of their three-year contracts.

Each actor involved in the dispute was seeking approximately $360 000 per episode, or $4.5-million for the 22 episode 2004/2005 season.

Twentieth Century Fox reportedly remains optimistic that the entire 22 episodes will be produced. Failing this, the financial repercussions for the studio could be detrimental.