The Simpsons: Discover the Surprising Multitalented Actors Behind Your Favorite Characters!

Summary

The talented voice actors of

The Simpsons

, including Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, and Hank Azaria, bring depth and magic to the show's iconic characters.

television history.

The Simpsons

.

The Simpsons boasts an exceptionally talented cast with just 10 voice actors bringing to life a multitude of characters. This, in part, is why a live-action adaptation of the show would be unsuccessful. The exceptional performances of Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, and Hank Azaria would be irreplaceable, and any new actors assuming these iconic roles would struggle to capture the essence that makes The Simpsons so remarkable. Despite this, it is astonishing how these same individuals lend their voices to multiple residents of Springfield, including the beloved Simpson family, each with their own distinct voice. These voice actors have been mainstays of the show for nearly three decades, meticulously honing their craft and delivering performances that will undoubtedly be revered as some of the greatest in television history. While it is challenging to determine the precise number of characters they have portrayed due to their involvement in both regular and background roles, these 10 incredibly talented voice actors stand as the most prolific in The Simpsons.

10 Yeardley Smith - 2

Yeardley Smith is renowned for portraying two significant characters in The Simpsons, namely the accomplished Lisa Simpson and the youngest member of the family, Maggie. While the latter role has been voiced by various individuals throughout the show's history, ranging from guest stars to other main cast members, it is currently credited to Nancy Cartwright. However, Smith's contribution to The Simpsons as the intelligent and endearing Lisa is invaluable, and she also occasionally takes on smaller, supporting characters.

9 Julie Kavner - 4

The iconic voice of Marge Simpson in The Simpsons is none other than Julie Kavner. She skillfully developed Marge's unique gravelly tone, establishing her as one of the most recognizable voices in the show. Kavner's exceptional vocal talents extend beyond Marge, as she also lends her distinctive style to Marge's sisters, Patty and Selma Bouvier, as well as their mother, Jacqueline. Through Kavner's brilliant portrayal, a special bond is formed among the Bouvier women.

8 Russi Taylor - 6

7 Maggie Roswell - 12

The late Russi Taylor achieved widespread recognition for her remarkable contribution as the iconic voice of Minnie Mouse for an impressive span of 33 years. Yet, her vocal talents extended far beyond this renowned role. During her tenure on The Simpsons, Taylor expertly captured the essence of six notable characters. In addition to Minnie Mouse, her distinctive voice breathed life into Martin Prince, Sherri and Terri, Üter Zörker, Wendell Borton, and Lewis. Unfortunately, following her untimely passing in 2019, Grey DeLisle has taken over the roles of Martin Prince, Sherri, and Terri in tribute to Taylor's enduring legacy.

Maggie Roswell gained fame for her portrayal of Maude, the departed spouse of Ned Flanders on the iconic television show, The Simpsons. Roswell became part of the cast in 1990 but departed in 1999 due to a salary dispute. Consequently, the show's producers decided to put an end to Maude Flanders' character. However, Roswell made a triumphant return in 2002 when her and the show's team reached an agreement that allowed her to record her lines from the comfort of her home in Denver. In addition to Maude, Roswell's vocal talents have also given life to memorable characters such as Helen Lovejoy, Luann Van Houten, Elizabeth Hoover, and many others, totaling at least 12 distinctive roles throughout the history of The Simpsons.

6 Nancy Cartwright - 12

Nancy Cartwright, known for her iconic portrayal of Bart Simpson, has showcased her versatile talent by lending her voice to various characters on The Simpsons. While she has proven her ability to voice both male and female characters throughout her career, her notable contributions in The Simpsons predominantly involve young male characters. In addition to Bart, Cartwright also lends her voice to Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, and Todd Flanders, among many others, bringing the total to at least 12 notable characters on the show.

5 Pamela Hayden - 21

Since the debut of The Simpsons in 1989 up until the current season, Pamela Hayden has lent her voice to a impressive roster of 21 distinct characters. Alongside fellow cast member Nancy Cartwright, Hayden has skillfully portrayed several of the show's young male characters, including Millhouse Van Houten, Jimbo Jones, and Rod Flanders. While Millhouse may be her most recognizable role in The Simpsons, those with a sharp ear may also notice her vocal talent behind various female characters such as Malibu Stacy, Amber Simpson, and Sarah Wiggum.

4 Tress MacNeille - 30+

3 Hank Azaria - 30+

Tress MacNeille may not have the same level of recognition as some of The Simpsons' other voice actors, but she holds the title of the show's most productive female voice actor. Since 1990, she has lent her voice to a variety of female characters in The Simpsons, such as Agnes Skinner, the mother of Principal Skinner, and Brandine Spuckler, the wife of Cletus Spuckler. While MacNeille doesn't portray any of the show's leading female characters like Lisa or Marge, her contributions to the regular cast help bring the unique residents of Springfield to life.

Hank Azaria made his debut in The Simpsons as bartender Moe Szyslak. However, his talents quickly expanded as he became one of the most prolific voice actors in the series. Currently, he lends his voice to a remarkable array of characters, including Comic Book Guy, Chief Wiggum, Superintendent Chalmers, Dr. Nick, and Disco Stu, among many others. Notably, Azaria was the original voice actor for Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, a role he relinquished in season 29 due to Hari Kondabolu's documentary The Problem with Apu. This documentary shed light on the use of harmful racial stereotypes and sparked a discussion about Azaria voicing an Indian character.

2 Harry Shearer - 30+

Harry Shearer is widely recognized for his impressive portrayal of various characters in The Simpsons. Some of his most notable roles include the iconic Mr. Burns and his devoted assistant Smithers, the lovable Ned Flanders, the strict Principal Skinner, the easygoing Lenny Leonard, the righteous Reverend Lovejoy, and the eccentric Otto Man. Additionally, Shearer also voiced the character of Dr. Hibbert from 1990 to 2021, until the decision was made to recast all The Simpsons' POC characters. With a remarkable roster of over 30 prominent characters in The Simpsons, Shearer's talent extends beyond the main cast, as he also lends his voice to numerous background characters. It is no doubt that Harry Shearer is considered one of the most distinguished actors in The Simpsons.

1 Dan Castellaneta - 30+

Dan Castellaneta, the most prolific voice actor on The Simpsons, has been the unmistakable voice of Homer Simpson from the very beginning. Apart from voicing Homer, he also brings life to other beloved characters such as Krusty the Clown, Grampa Simpson, Barney Gumble, and Groundskeeper Willie on a regular basis. On top of his regular duties, Castellaneta showcases his versatile voice by portraying one-off characters and even lending his talents to celebrities like Donald Trump, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact number of characters Castellaneta has voiced over the course of The Simpsons' 34 seasons, it is safe to say that the tally reaches well into the double digits.