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Born Name:
Harry Julius Shearer
Born Date:
December 23, 1943
Born Place:
Los Angeles, California
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations:
Actor, comedian, musician, radio host, writer, producer
Brief Biography:
Harry Shearer is recognized for his long-running, multi-character voice work on The Simpsons, his pivotal role in the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, and his contributions to Saturday Night Live. He also hosts the long-running satirical public radio program Le Show.
Comedy & Television Breakthroughs:
The Credibility Gap: Co-founded the influential Los Angeles-based radio comedy troupe with Richard Beebe, David L. Lander, and Michael McKean in the 1960s and 70s.
Saturday Night Live: Served as a writer and cast member during two periods on the show: 1979 to 1980, and again from 1984 to 1985.
Le Show: Created and hosted his own weekly public radio program on KCRW (and later NPR/WWOZ) starting in 1983, blending political satire, sketch comedy, and music.
Iconic Roles:
This Is Spinal Tap (1984): Co-created, co-wrote, and starred alongside Christopher Guest and Michael McKean as the clueless, perpetually unearthing bassist Derek Smalls in the legendary satirical rockumentary.
The Simpsons (1989–Present): Joined the cast as a voice actor, portraying a massive stable of Springfield residents. His signature characters include Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, and Reverend Lovejoy.