The voice of the much loved character Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner from The Simpsons has announced he is quitting the programme.
Actor Harry Shearer, who voices the characters, tweeted early Thursday that he was leaving the show after 26 seasons.
Shearer suggested that his apparent departure was linked to a dispute over contract terms.
He said in a series of tweets at around 12:30 a.m. ET that the move came “because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work.”
Appearing to confirm the move, “The Simpsons” showrunner Al Jean tweeted later on Thursday that Shearer’s characters would be “recast if Harry does not return.”
Shearer best known for voicing characters on the popular cartoon but has also starred in successful films like Spinal Tap.
