Simpsons: Becks not famous enough
Apr 2003

Doh! David Beckham has been given the boot from a guest role on the Simpsons – because producers said he is not famous enough.

Creators of the show were planning to approach the Man Utd football star to see if he would agree to be written into the hit cartoon, celebrating its 300th episode on Sky One on April 20.

But executive producer Al Jean admits that hardly anyone in America, where the series is made, knows who he is.

Speaking in London, Jean said “We thought about Becks but football isn’t as big over in the US. He’s not really famous enough”.

Beckham was to be approached to appear in a special with Homer & Co, set in the UK, when the dysfunctional family visits London.

Notable guest voices for the programme include Sir Ian McKellen and Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, both playing themselves.

Jean said: “Lisa asks her, ‘Could you tell me what happens in the last Harry Potter book’, and JK Rowling says ‘He grows up and marries you – is that what you want to hear?'”.

Another forthcoming guest is British actress Jane Leeves, best-known as Daphne in the hit comedy series Frasier and one of the highest-paid women in TV. She plays Homer’s half-sister – a female British version of Homer.