The Simpsons Forum

For many years now, the cast of “The Simpsons” has been trying to get Fox to agree that, like so many other people who’ve contributed significantly to the show’s success, we be allowed a tiny share of the billions of dollars in profits the show has earned. Fox has consistently refused to even consider the matter. Instead, it’s paid us salaries that, while ridiculous by any normal standard, pale in comparison to what the show’s profit participants have been taking home.

Now, as the show enters its twenty-third season, we are engaged in what will probably be our last contract negotiation with Fox. As you may have heard, the network has taken the position that “The Simpsons” no longer makes enough money and that unless we in the cast accept a 45% pay cut, they are not going to bring the show back for a twenty-fourth season.

Obviously, there are a lot more important things going on in the world right now, in the streets of New York and elsewhere. But given how many people seem to care about what happens to our show – and how much misinformation has been flying around – I thought it might make sense for at least one member of the cast to speak out directly. I should note that I am speaking only for myself, and not for any of the other actors on the show.

Fox wants to cut our salaries in half because it says it can’t afford to continue making the show under what it calls the existing business model. Fox hasn’t explained what kind of new business model it has formulated to keep the show on the air, but clearly the less money they have to pay us in salary, the more they’re able to afford to continue broadcasting the show. And to this I say, fine – if pay cuts are what it will take to keep the show on the air, then cut my pay. In fact, to make it as easy as possible for Fox to keep new episodes of “The Simpsons” coming, I’m willing to let them cut my salary not just 45% but more than 70% – down to half of what they said they would be willing to pay us. All I would ask in return is that I be allowed a small share of the eventual profits.

My representatives broached this idea to Fox yesterday, asking the network how low a salary number I would have to accept to make a profit participation feasible. My representatives were told there was no such number. There were, the Fox people said, simply no circumstances under which the network would consider allowing me or any of the actors to share in the show’s success.

As a member of the “Simpsons” cast for 23 years, I think it’s fair to say that we’ve had a great run and no one should feel sorry for any of us. But given how much joy the show has given so many people over the years – and given how many billions of dollars in profits News Corp. has earned and will earn from it – I find it hard to believe that this is Fox’s final word on the subject. At least I certainly hope it isn’t, because the alternative is to cancel the show or fire me for having the gall to try to save the show by helping Fox with its new business model. Neither would be a fair result – either to those of us who have committed so many years to the show or to its loyal fans who make our effort worthwhile.

is this just Fox being greedy or what? seems like it to me.

On a side note, i think the amount of money they get just for the voicework they provide is ridiculous.

I think The Simpsons should end anyway, i haven't watched it for years anyway.

Man Fox really sucks, greedy assholes

Not that it's a surprise, this just reminded me of that

Glad to see that one of the actors spoke up. From his point of view it sounds like Fox wants to cut the salary of the actors but not willing to give themselves a pay cut. I'm sure there is more going on to this then what he's said. But it would not surprise me if that was the case. Fox will want to maintain the same profit margin even if the show is not making as much money off it.

Greed rears it's ugly head. It's a shame that a show that though not as funny as when it started it's still funnier than most shows on TV show. It started the animated comedy that now boasts Family Guy, American Dad, Venture Brothers, and SuperJail! just to name a few. Not to mention years of establishing cultural icons and inside jokes that are a part of our own vocabulary (yoink!). The worst part is as we all boo the choices Fox is making all they will hear is boo-urns.

I remember watching the Tracey Ullman Show and seeing the Simpsons as they were introduced. I was 6 and was instantly hooked simply because they were animated, but as I matured the show did and it was always nice to know that it was consistently there for me to turn to every week.

Then I stopped watching The Simpsons in 1999. It just didn't hold my focus anymore. It was still funny and enjoyable but I found myself caring less and less if I saw it and eventually I stopped all together. However, last year I decided to drop back in on Springfield and found it was waiting to welcome me back. I have no desire to go back and see what I missed because it doesn't really matter. However, I would be sad if the show went off the air, especially over what seems to be corporate greed. Then again, to be fair how many other shows can say they were around and relevant for 20+ years?

Regardless of what happens, they have been a part of something great that has been a part of many peoples lives spanning generations. That's an accomplishment to be proud of.

@Phunk_King: This, exactly. I grew up with the Simpsons, obsessed and loved the Simpsons until about 2000. The tennis episode with Venus and Serena Williams killed the show for me, I haven't watched a new episode after that one. Regardless, season 1-7 of the Simpsons are without a doubt the greatest work of media I've ever seen.