The Simpsons: 10 Best Characters Voiced By Harry Shearer

In a similar way that Ned is the natural opposite and adversary to Homer, Principal Skinner is the well-placed foil to the mischievous Bart Simpson.

Shearer’s monotone vocal performance as Principal Skinner expertly portrays the frustration that he feels as he struggles with a failing school, rebellious students, an overbearing mother, and an imposing Superintendent watching his every move!

Matt Groening found his inspiration for Skinner in “all the principals of his youth”, and whilst he may be stuffy and represent all that kids hate, Shearer's performance once again breathed life into this character, evolving into one that perhaps fans relate to more and more as they age with the show.

Principal Skinner was evidently a character that Shearer cared a lot about as well, being very vocal with his opinions on the controversial season 9 episode “The Principal and the Pauper”. In this episode it was revealed that Skinner wasn’t really who he said he was, and this significant change to his backstory upset Shearer. He described the decision as “arbitrary and gratuitous” and that it was “disrespectful to the audience” who had grown to love this character over time.

Fortunately it was not enough to put Shearer off continuing to voice this character as it just wouldn’t be the same played by anyone else!