Cast of the Simpsons – Complete Voice Actors List 2025

The voice cast behind The Simpsons has remained remarkably consistent since the animated series debuted in 1989, creating one of the most recognizable ensembles in television history. Six principal actors have voiced hundreds of characters across more than three decades, with the core family portrayed by the same performers since the show’s inception. Cast of the Simpsons – Voice Actors List 2024 provides additional detail on the current lineup.

Understanding the full cast of The Simpsons requires examining not just the immediate family voices, but also the extensive supporting ensemble and recent changes made for representation. From salary negotiations to recent recasts, the dynamics behind Springfield’s voices reveal much about the animation industry’s evolution.

Who Are the Main Voice Actors for the Simpsons Family?

Four actors have voiced the primary Simpson family members without interruption since 1989.

The six principal cast members have maintained their roles since 1989 without substitution. Dan Castellaneta performs over 20 distinct recurring characters beyond Homer, while Nancy Cartwright handles Bart Simpson alongside Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, and Todd Flanders. Yeardley Smith focuses exclusively on Lisa Simpson as her primary recurring role, and Julie Kavner has maintained exclusive voice credit for Marge throughout the series. During peak syndication periods, the principal cast historically earned millions annually.

Source: Wikipedia cast listing

Who Voices Key Supporting Characters?

The Dan Castellaneta Ensemble

Beyond Homer, Castellaneta voices Grampa Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Barney Gumble, Groundskeeper Willie, Mayor Quimby, Sideshow Mel, Hans Moleman, Itchy, and Mr. Teeny. Voquent’s analysis notes he handles over 20 recurring characters.

Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer

Azaria voices Moe Szyslak, Chief Clancy Wiggum, Comic Book Guy, Professor Frink, Superintendent Chalmers, Snake Jailbird, Duffman, Dr. Nick, and Disco Stu. Shearer handles Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Waylon Smithers, and Reverend Lovejoy.

Extended Regular Cast

Additional regulars include Tress MacNeille (Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon since 2003), Maggie Roswell (Helen Lovejoy, Miss Hoover), and Maurice LaMarche (various minor roles since 1995). Recent cast updates confirm these performers remain active.

What Are the Highest-Paid Simpsons Cast Members?

Historical Compensation

The six principal cast members—Castellaneta, Kavner, Cartwright, Smith, Azaria, and Shearer—historically earned substantial per-episode fees, often generating millions annually during peak syndication years. Variety’s historical salary data documents these negotiations.

Current Salary Landscape

Specific 2024-2025 salary figures for the cast are not publicly available. Historical context indicates the principal cast maintained high per-episode rates through previous contract renewals, though updated financial data remains unconfirmed.

Has the Cast Changed Over the Years?

While the principal six remain unchanged, several supporting characters have been recast since 2020.

Recent Recasts

Pamela Hayden retired after approximately 700 episodes; Kelly MacLeod assumed the role of Milhouse Van Houten in 2022. Megan Mullally replaced Hayden as Sarah Wiggum in 2021. Tony Rodriguez, a Cuban actor, now voices Julio for authenticity. Dawnn Lewis replaced Tress MacNeille as Bernice Hibbert. BehindTheVoiceActors tracks these updates.

Character Departures

Hank Azaria ceased voicing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in 2020. Frank Welker provided animal voices including Santa’s Little Helper from 1991 to 2002, with Castellaneta assuming those duties after Welker departed due to vocal strain.

How Has the Simpsons Cast Evolved Over Time?

1. 1989: Original six principal cast members—Castellaneta, Kavner, Cartwright, Smith, Azaria, and Shearer—begin voicing the family and key supporting roles.
2. 1991: Frank Welker begins providing animal voices including Santa’s Little Helper.
3. 2002: Welker departs due to vocal strain; Castellaneta assumes animal voice duties.
4. 2003: Tress MacNeille assumes the role of Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, replacing Jan Hooks (1997-2002).
5. 2015: Hank Azaria wins Primetime Emmy for voicing Moe Szyslak in “The Princess Guide.”
6. 2020: Azaria steps back from voicing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
7. 2021: Megan Mullally replaces Pamela Hayden as Sarah Wiggum.
8. 2022: Kelly MacLeod replaces Hayden as Milhouse Van Houten.
9. 2024: Azaria receives Emmy nomination for Moe Szyslak in “Cremains of the Day.”

What Is Confirmed vs. Uncertain About the Current Cast?

Who Are Notable Guest Stars?

While the show features numerous recurring guest stars, the voice cast maintains the core identity of the series. Frank Welker provided intermittent animal voice work, including Santa’s Little Helper, across 1991–2002 and again in 2014. The principal ensemble’s continuity has preserved the show’s acoustic identity despite guest appearances.

The Cast of the Simpsons – All Voice Actors and Characters provides comprehensive mapping of both regular and guest contributors.

What Have the Voice Actors Said About Their Roles?

“didn’t feel right”

— Hank Azaria, regarding his decision to step back from voicing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in 2020, amid industry discussions about representation

The cast has maintained collective bargaining positions throughout the series’ run, renegotiating contracts as a unit during key salary discussions. This solidarity has contributed to the ensemble’s longevity and consistent per-episode compensation.

What Defines the Simpsons Cast in 2025?

The Simpsons cast remains defined by its original 1989 ensemble, with six principal actors continuing to voice hundreds of characters across the show’s 35+ seasons. Recent adaptations include diversity-focused recasts for supporting roles and technological updates such as remote recording capabilities, ensuring the series continues without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions