The Simpsons actor Harry Shearer has revealed he is leaving the show.
The actor, who voices Mr Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner and Waylon Smithers, tweeted the news, saying his contract had not been renewed with Fox.
He wrote: "From James L. Brooks' lawyer: show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.
"This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work.
"Of course, I wish him the very best."
A few hours later he posted again on the social media site: "Thanks, Simpsons fans, for your support."
20th Century Fox, which produces the show, has not released an official comment.
In October 2013 the show lost Marcia Wallace, who voiced the character of Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpson's teacher. She died at the age of 70.
Shearer paid tribute to her at the time, saying: "She was just a warm and wonderful person."
Last year, comedian Jan Hooks, who was the voice of Apu's wife Manjula, died after contracting cancer.
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