Harry Shearer, prominent voice actor on "The Simpsons" since 1989, confirmed his departure from the show on his Twitter account.
Shearer suggested he and the show were parting ways due to a conflict between himself and the show's top executives. "This is because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work," Shearer Tweeted.
Shearer voiced multiple characters in the series, including (but not limited to) Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Lenny, Jasper, Otto, Kent Brockman, Reverend Lovejoy and Julius Hibbert.
The deaths of Phil Hartman and Marcia Wallace created gaps in the show, and the show continued, but it is uncertain how the series will continue without the breadth of Shearer's characters.
"The Simpsons," currently in its 26th season, has been renewed for two more - which will bring the episode count to 625.
