Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was a singer who was rumoured to have guest starred on The Simpsons in the episode "Stark Raving Dad". In actuality the speaking voice of Leon Kompowsky was done by a Jackson impressionist, John Jay Smith. Jackson was a fan of the show,[1] and called Matt Groening one night and offered to do a guest spot, but the producers balked when Jackson demanded more than two million dollars for an appearance.[2] The idea for the episode was pitched by James L. Brooks and the script was written by Al Jean and Mike Reiss.[3] In an early version of script, Homer decided to take Barney Gumble in for rehab, but whilst there Homer began acting crazily so the doctors assumed he was the one to be committed.[2] Jackson pitched several story ideas for the episode, including Bart telling everyone in town that Michael Jackson was coming to his house.[3]
The producers of the show were legally prevented from confirming whether or not Jackson guest starred at the time, although many media sources assumed it was really him.[4][5][6][7] After this episode the producers decided that if a celebrity wished to guest star on the show, they had to be willing to be credited under their real name and not a pseudonym.[8]
References
- ↑ Ray Richmond. "Gloved One secret 'Simpsons' fan"Variety. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Groening, Matt. (2003). Commentary for "Stark Raving Dad", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Reiss, Mike. (2003). Easter Egg Commentary for "Stark Raving Dad", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
- ↑ Jay Sharbutt. "'Simpsons' Returns with a Big White Michael Jackson"Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
- ↑ Virginia Mann. "Simpsons Plays Name That Voice"The Record. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
- ↑ Tom Shales. "TV Previews - Simpsons: A Surprise Thriller"Washington Post. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
- ↑ Phil Rosenthal. "Some Clues as to why 'The Simpsons' is Simply the Best"Daily News of Los Angeles. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
- ↑ Anita Gates. "The Voice Is Familiar but I Can't Place the Overbite"The New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-09-04.
Guest stars in season 3
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson • Neil Patrick Harris • Joe Mantegna • Chick Hearn • Magic Johnson • Jackie Mason • Aerosmith (Steven Tyler • Joe Perry • Brad Whitford • Tom Hamilton • Joey Kramer) • Sting • Phil Hartman • Jon Lovitz • Don Mattingly • Roger Clemens • Steve Sax • Ken Griffey, Jr. • Darryl Strawberry • Wade Boggs • Mike Scioscia • José Canseco • Ozzie Smith • Terry Cashman • Steve Allen • Beverly D'Angelo • Kelsey Grammer • Spinal Tap (Christopher Guest • Michael McKean • Harry Shearer) • Kimmy Robertson • Danny DeVito • Joe Frazier |
