8. Steve Martin
Played: Ray Patterson Episode: Trash Of The Titans After Homer abuses the garbagemen following Love Day, the Simpsons' trash collection grinds to a halt. After a giant pile of garbage builds up on their lawn (and Rod Flanders scales Diaper Hill), Marge writes an apology to the sanitation department in Homer's name. Furious that Marge has done this in his name (it's not like a loan application or a will), Homer heads down to the sanitation commissioner's office to take back the apology. Ray Patterson seems like a decent guy, but Homer is determined to rattle some cages - beginning with Patterson's parrot. Homer declares he will run for sanitation commissioner, and beats Patterson in the election. Of course, Homer doesn't do a very good job, and proceeds to fill Springfield with garbage from other cities. It's a great turn from Martin, playing the exasperated Patterson who has managed the town's waste management for years and yet loses the election to Homer's wild and ultimately empty promises. His style of comedy was perfect, particularly his vicious comments to the townspeople clamouring for his return after they voted against him: "Oh, gosh. you know, I'm not much on speeches, but, it's so gratifying to leave you wallowing in the mess you've made. You're screwed. Thank you. Bye."