10 Simpsons Voice Performances That COMPLETELY Changed

There is a man, a certain man, a man who’s grace and handsome face are known across the land. You know his name! It’s Mr Burns!

His grace and handsome face might be known, but these days, his voice might not be so recognisable. Harry Shearer voices the cantankerous millionaire, as well as his assistant Smithers, which must make table reads quite fun.

However, Shearer has said multiple times that aside from Marvin Monroe, Burns’ voice is the one which strains him the most. Given that Monroe was retired after only a handful of appearances, clearly Shearer is keen on protecting his voice.

Shearer has also remarked that Burns is far and away his most requested voice. So, combined with Burns having a major role in the show, Shearer frequently having to whip the Burns impression out for strangers and in interviews plus Shearer ageing 30 years since the show began, something had to give.

He’s also Shearer’s favourite character, so to keep ahold of him, you’ll notice Burns shouts less these days, and is more decrepit, which feels fitting.

Before Shearer even got him though, he was voiced by Christopher Collins for four episodes. However, Collins was fired after a dispute with Sam Simon.