Entertainment

'The Simpsons' Most Surprising Guest Stars, From Benedict Cumberbatch to Amy Poehler

In its 25 years on television, The Simpsons have had some of the most famous people in the world as guests on the show. It's sort of like a rite of passage for being at the top of your game — you know, like hosting Saturday Night Live or publishing a memoir or roasting the President of the United States. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Stephen Hawking, J.K Rowling, Janet Reno, and Bette Midler have all appeared as the voices of their very famous Simpsons-ified selves on the show. If you ever wonder if your favorite celeb has ever voiced a character, just remember, "The Simpsons did it!"

Though not every actor, politician and pop star that has visited Springfield playdc themselves. In fact, huge celebrities have voiced some characters you may have never guessed. Take a look.

by Rachel Semigran

Astrid Weller was Played by...

From the epidose “Mom and Pop Art,” in which Homer is discovered to be the next hot thing in the art world.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Isabella Rossellini

Little did she know it was a failed attempt at building a barbecue pit.

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Akira was Played by...

He’ll happily serve you the deadly fugu blowfish at The Happy Sumo or be your karate sensei.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

George Takei

The one and only!

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Brad, the Spokesman for Powersauce was Played by...

It’s an energy bar, get your minds out of the gutter!

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Brendan Fraser

Yep, in Season 9 when Fraser was riding high on his buddy pics with Pauly Shore and Tarzan-like abs.

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Michael Jackson was Played by...

The very real “impersonator” who taught Homer how to moon walk.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Michael Jackson

The King himself, in one of the best guest spots in all Simpsons history.

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Wink was Played by...

Your fine host to the Super Happy Smile Time Family Wish Show.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

George Takei

OH MYYYY!

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Bart from 'The Bart Simpson Story' was Played by...

With Richard Chamberlain as Principal Skinner, Joe Montegna as Fat Tony, Jane Seymour as the woman he loved and…

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Neil Patrick Harris

Who at the time was “TV’s Doogie Howser.”

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Jenda, Future Bart's Ex was Played by...

Maybe it didn’t work out because of that earring…

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Amy Poehler

Alright Future Bart, I guess you have pretty good taste.

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Jessica Lovejoy was Played by...

The daughter of the almighty Reverend Lovejoy wooed Bart with her trouble-making ways.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Meryl Streep

Is there nothing she can’t do?

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The Prime Minister of the UK was Played by...

Surprisingly not Hugh Grant!

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Benedict Cumberbatch

MORE LIKE THE PRIME MINISTER OF MY HEART! AMIRIGHT, LADIES!?

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Severus Snape was Played by...

Not the real Alan Rickman, but the next best thing, I promise.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Cumberbatch again!

We’ve all heard the impression, it’s spot on.

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The FBI Agent from "Donnie Fatso" was Played by...

Here with Homer’s new identity as Nicky Bluepants Altosaxophony.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Jon Hamm

Are you now weirdly attracted to the previous slide?

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Substitute Teacher Ms. Cantwell was Played by...

And you thought Miss Hoover was a tough cookie.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Tina Fey

I guess ALL teachers can’y be as cool as Ms. Norbury.

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Annie Dubinksy was Played by...

Krusty the Clown’s no-nonsense agent.

Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Joan Rivers

Best. Casting. Ever.

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