The Simpsons’ Celebrity Guest Stars That Aged Poorly in English
The Simpsons, one of the longest-running and most popular animated TV shows in history, has had a knack for featuring a wide range of celebrity guest stars throughout its over 30-year run. While many of these guest stars have become iconic and beloved, some have, sadly, not stood the test of time as well.
In this article, we’ll be looking at 8 The Simpsons celebrity guest stars that have aged poorly in English. From cringe-worthy cameos to tone-deaf performances, these stars’ appearances on The Simpsons have become increasingly awkward to watch in the years since they first aired.
1. Ricky Gervais (2007) – "Homer Simpson, This Donkey’s God"
Ricky Gervais, known for his edgy humor and unapologetic satire, seemed like a natural fit for The Simpsons. However, his appearance in "Homer Simpson, This Donkey’s God" (Season 18, Episode 15) comes across as forced and unfunny. Playing a talking donkey, Gervais’ character is meant to be a parody of himself, but his jokes fall flat.
2. Snoop Dogg (2005) – "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore"
Rap legend Snoop Dogg guest-starred in "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore" (Season 16, Episode 8) as himself, trying to help Homer with his customer service skills. Unfortunately, his laid-back persona clashes with the show’s more fast-paced humor, making his appearance feel awkward and out of place.
3. Paris Hilton (2002) – "Jaws loathed a Sailor"
Paris Hilton, at the height of her fame in the early 2000s, appeared in "Jaws loathed a Sailor" (Season 13, Episode 14) as a self-absorbed, airheaded socialite. Her sassy attitude and Valley Girl accent, meant to be a parody of her public image, now come across as insufferable.
4. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler (2001) – "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation"
Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, guest-starred in "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation" (Season 12, Episode 6), playing a fictionalized version of himself as a demanding, egocentric rockstar. His acidity and pretentiousness have become cringe-worthy to watch in hindsight.
5. T McCoy (2002) – "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore"
T, a young R&B singer at the time, appeared in the same episode as Snoop Dogg, playing a fictionalized version of himself as a smoldering sea, causing Marge to become infatuated. T’s smooth-talking, egotistical persona now feels stifling and insincere.
6. Dennis Franz (1998) – "The Cape Feare"
Dennis Franz, a Golden Globe-winning actor best known for his role on NYPD Blue, played a fictionalized version of himself in "The Cape Feare" (Season 5, Episode 2). His solemn, straight-laced persona feels out of place in what is otherwise a lighthearted, comedic episode.
7. Phil Hartman’s Darwin (1991) – "Flaming Moe’s"
Phil Hartman, a seasoned voice actor, provided the voice of physicist Albert Einstein’s illegitimate son, Bertrand, in "Flaming Moe’s" (Season 3, Episode 11). Bertrand’s sudden, dry humor and awkward mannerisms, intended to be humorous, now come across as unfunny and awkward.
8. Michelle Pfeiffer (2013) – "At Long Last Leave"
Michelle Pfeiffer, a talented actress known for her dramatic range, appeared as herself in "At Long Last Leave" (Season 24, Episode 10), playing a version of herself trying to get out of an Award acceptance speech. Her straight-laced, flustered performance, meant to be funny, now feels stuffy and unentertaining.
These 8 celebrity guest stars, once meant to be humorous and entertaining, have grown increasingly difficult to watch in recent years. Their performances, though well-intentioned, have become a relic of a bygone era, better left to the nostalgic confines of The Simpsons’ vast library.
