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Harry Shearer

Acting Born Dec 23, 1943 Los Angeles, California, USA 207 credits

Biography

Harry Shearer is an American actor born in Los Angeles, California, on December 23, 1943. He began his career as a child actor. Shearer was a member of The Credibility Gap, a radio comedy group, from 1969 to 1976. He co-wrote the film Real Life with Albert Brooks and worked as a writer on Martin Mull's television series Fernwood 2 Night. Shearer was a cast member on Saturday Night Live between 1979 and 1980, and 1984 and 1985. He co-created, co-wrote, and co-starred in the film This Is Spinal Tap, a satirical rockumentary. Shearer has acted in numerous other projects, with a total of 173 known credits.

Sources & verification Harry Shearer — The Movie Database (TMDB) How Archytele verifies pages
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Career

Career overview

Harry Shearer began his acting career as a child actor. He later became a member of The Credibility Gap, a radio comedy group, from 1969 to 1976. Following the breakup of the group, Shearer worked as a writer on Martin Mull's television series Fernwood 2 Night and co-wrote the film Real Life (1979) with Albert Brooks.

Shearer was a cast member on Saturday Night Live between 1979 and 1980, and 1984 and 1985. He co-created, co-wrote, and co-starred in the film This Is Spinal Tap (1984), a satirical rockumentary. This Is Spinal Tap was a hit, and Shearer's work on the film showcased his comedic talents.

Shearer has continued to work in the entertainment industry, with a long list of acting credits. His extensive experience in comedy and writing has made him a versatile and sought-after actor. With a career spanning multiple decades, Shearer has established himself as a talented and accomplished actor.

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Known for

Film

Simpsley

as Seymour Skinner (voice)
Film

Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition

as Lenny Leonard (voice)
Film

Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition

as Ned Flanders (voice)
Film

Father Figures

as Gene

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

as Self

The Last Leg

as Self

Have You Been Paying Attention?

as Panellist

The Graham Norton Show

as Self

Would I Lie to You?

as Self
Film

The Simpsons Movie

as Scratchy / Mr. Burns / Rev. Lovejoy / Ned Flanders / Lenny / Skull / President Arnold Schwarzenegger / Kent Brockman / Principal Skinner / Dr. Hibbert / Smithers / Toll Booth Man / Guard / Otto / Kang (voice)

Stick Around

as Victor Allan Miller

The Colbert Report

as Self - Guest

Frequent co-stars

Hank Azaria 5 shared titles
Dan Castellaneta 4 shared titles
Julie Kavner 4 shared titles
Nancy Cartwright 4 shared titles
Yeardley Smith 4 shared titles
Tress MacNeille 4 shared titles
Maggie Roswell 3 shared titles
Alex Désert 3 shared titles
Michael McKean 3 shared titles
Pamela Hayden 2 shared titles

Career timeline

SimpsleyExtreme Makeover: Homer EditionExtreme Makeover: Homer Edition
Spinal Tap II: The End ContinuesSpinal Tap II: The End Continues · WriterSpinal Tap II: The End Continues · CharactersSpinal Tap II: The End Continues · ProducerFrom Darkness to Light
The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful
A Taste of Heaven: The Ecstatic Song & Gospel of Maestro Raymond Anthony Myles
The Simpsons: A Serious FlandersThe Simpsons | Balenciaga
Easy Does It
Joe Frank: Somewhere Out There
Satan & Adam
The History of ComedyFather FiguresXTC: This Is PopSpringfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson
The Last LaughMascotsPeter Cook and Dudley Moore: The Missing SketchesThe Clown
Love & Taxes
Alan Davies: As Yet UntitledMonty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)The Kumars
The Last LegHave You Been Paying Attention?
Playhouse PresentsPay Up Cheaters: The Story of the Beat Farmers
Flood Streets
The Big Uneasy · Director
My SuicideStonehenge: 'Tis a Magic PlaceSpinal Tap: Back from the DeadUnwigged & Unplugged: An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer
The Graham Norton ShowWould I Lie to You?The Simpsons MovieMr. Warmth: The Don Rickles ProjectFired!
For Your ConsiderationMarilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm SchoolComedy Club Shoot-out: Vol. 1
The Colbert ReportChicken LittleThe AristocratsSaturday Night Live in the '80s: Lost and Found
The Simpsons: Christmas 2The Secret Policeman's Ball: The Music Edition
Real Time with Bill MaherJimmy Kimmel Live!Jimmy Kimmel Live!Anderson Cooper 360°Celebrity Mastermind
HypaSpaceThere's Only One Paul McCartney
The AgencyTeddy Bears' PicnicTeddy Bears' Picnic · WriterTeddy Bears' Picnic · DirectorTeddy Bears' Picnic · Executive Producer
CyberWorldCatching Up with Marty DiBergiEdwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big
Where Are They Now?Jack & JillThe Early ShowGhost Dog: The Way of the SamuraiEDtv
Dawson's CreekThe Truman ShowSmall SoldiersGodzillaTru-Talk
The ViewJust Shoot Me!My Best Friend's WeddingGeorge & LeoThe Visitor
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
Dr. Katz, Professional TherapistDr. Katz, Professional Therapist · Additional WritingCasperThe Show Formerly Known as the Martin Short Show

Full filmography

  • Simpsley (2026) as Seymour Skinner (voice)
  • Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition (2026) as Lenny Leonard (voice)
  • Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition (2026) as Ned Flanders (voice)
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025) as Derek Smalls
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025) Writer
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025) Characters
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025) Producer
  • From Darkness to Light (2025) as Self
  • The Session Man (2025) as Self
  • The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful (2024) as Mr. Burns (voice)
  • A Taste of Heaven: The Ecstatic Song & Gospel of Maestro Raymond Anthony Myles (2023)
  • The Simpsons: A Serious Flanders (2021) as Ned Flanders / Kent Brockman / Mr. Burns (voice)
  • The Simpsons | Balenciaga (2021)
  • Easy Does It (2020) as 'Breezy' Bob Mckee (voice)
  • Joe Frank: Somewhere Out There (2019) as Self
  • Satan & Adam (2018) as Self
  • The History of Comedy (2017) as Self
  • Father Figures (2017) as Gene
  • XTC: This Is Pop (2017) as Self
  • Springfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson (2017) as Jebediah Springfield / Lenny Leonard / Mr. Burns (voice)
  • The Last Laugh (2016) as Self
  • Mascots (2016) as Competition Announcer (voice)
  • Peter Cook and Dudley Moore: The Missing Sketches (2016) as Self
  • The Clown (2016) as Self
  • Love & Taxes (2015) as Sean Boykin/Agent
  • Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (2014) as Self
  • Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) (2014) as Self
  • The Kumars (2014) as Self
  • The Last Leg (2013) as Self
  • Have You Been Paying Attention? (2013) as Panellist
  • Playhouse Presents (2012) as Richard Nixon
  • Pay Up Cheaters: The Story of the Beat Farmers (2012) as Self
  • Flood Streets (2011) as Dr. Keeley
  • The Big Uneasy (2010) Director
  • My Suicide (2009) as Caress Moscowitz
  • Stonehenge: 'Tis a Magic Place (2009) as Derek Smalls
  • Spinal Tap: Back from the Dead (2009) as Derek Smalls
  • Unwigged & Unplugged: An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer (2009) as Self
  • The Graham Norton Show (2007) as Self
  • Would I Lie to You? (2007) as Self
  • The Simpsons Movie (2007) as Scratchy / Mr. Burns / Rev. Lovejoy / Ned Flanders / Lenny / Skull / President Arnold Schwarzenegger / Kent Brockman / Principal Skinner / Dr. Hibbert / Smithers / Toll Booth Man / Guard / Otto / Kang (voice)
  • Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007) as Self
  • Fired! (2007) as Self
  • What the Pythons Did Next... (2007) as Self
  • A Couple of White Chicks at the Hairdresser (2007) as Marc Gavin
  • For Your Consideration (2006) as Victor Allan Miller
  • Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2006) as Promo Announcer
  • Comedy Club Shoot-out: Vol. 1 (2006) as Self
  • The Colbert Report (2005) as Self - Guest
  • Chicken Little (2005) as Dog Announcer (voice)
  • The Aristocrats (2005) as Self
  • Saturday Night Live in the '80s: Lost and Found (2005) as Self
  • The Simpsons: Christmas 2 (2004)
  • The Secret Policeman's Ball: The Music Edition (2004) as Derek Smalls
  • Real Time with Bill Maher (2003) as Self
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Derek Smalls - Guest/Musical Guest
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Guest
  • Anderson Cooper 360° (2003)
  • Celebrity Mastermind (2003)
  • The Simpsons: Christmas (2003) as (archive footage)
  • A Mighty Wind (2003) as Mark Shubb
  • The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror (2003) as Mr. Burns / Smithers / Ned Flanders / Kang / Skinner (voice)
  • Realizing The Right Stuff (2003) as Self
  • Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns) (2003) as Self
  • HypaSpace (2002) as Self
  • There's Only One Paul McCartney (2002) as Self
  • The Agency (2001) as The President
  • Teddy Bears' Picnic (2001) as Joey Lavin
  • Teddy Bears' Picnic (2001) Writer
  • Teddy Bears' Picnic (2001) Director
  • Teddy Bears' Picnic (2001) Executive Producer
  • Teddy Bears' Picnic (2001) Music Supervisor
  • Haunted Castle (2001) as Mr. D / Mephisto (voice)
  • The Secret Rulers of the World (2001) as Self – Comedian
  • CyberWorld (2000) as Ned Flanders / Dr. Julius Hibbert / Rev. Timothy Lovejoy (voice)
  • Catching Up with Marty DiBergi (2000) as Derek Smalls
  • Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big (2000) as The General (voice)
  • Where Are They Now? (1999) as Self
  • Jack & Jill (1999) as Dr. Wilfred Madison
  • The Early Show (1999) as Derek Smalls
  • Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) as Voice of Scratchy (voice) (archive footage)
  • EDtv (1999) as Moderator
  • Funny Is Money (1999) Writer
  • Dick (1999) as G. Gordon Liddy
  • The Simpsons: Too Hot For TV (1999)
  • Encounter in the Third Dimension (1999) as Narrator (voice)
  • Dawson's Creek (1998) as Principal Peskin
  • The Truman Show (1998) as Mike Michaelson
  • Small Soldiers (1998) as Punch-It (voice)
  • Godzilla (1998) as Charles Caiman
  • Tru-Talk (1998) as Mike Michaelson
  • Style & Substance (1998)
  • Bravo Profiles (1998) as Self
  • Almost Heroes (1998) as Narrator (voice)
  • The View (1997) as Self
  • Just Shoot Me! (1997) as Larry Fenwick
  • My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) as Jonathan P.E. Rice
  • George & Leo (1997)
  • The Visitor (1997) as Louis Faraday
  • Waiting for Guffman (1997) Lyricist
  • Waiting for Guffman (1997) Original Music Composer
  • Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun (1997) as Narrator
  • Never Mind the Buzzcocks (1996) as Self
  • Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (1995) as Harry (voice)
  • Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (1995) Additional Writing
  • Casper (1995) as Radio announcer (uncredited)
  • The Show Formerly Known as the Martin Short Show (1995) as Mr. Blackwell
  • Friends (1994) as Dr. Baldharar
  • ER (1994) as John Smythe
  • Chicago Hope (1994) as Nowhere Man
  • Ellen (1994) as Ted Layton
  • I'll Do Anything (1994) as Audience Research Captain
  • Speechless (1994) as Chuck
  • Little Giants (1994) as Announcer
  • Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
  • Animaniacs (1993) as Ned Flat (voice)
  • Wayne's World 2 (1993) as Handsome Dan
  • A League of Their Own (1992) as Newsreel Announcer
  • FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992) as Fairy #3 (voice)
  • A Spinal Tap Reunion: The 25th Anniversary London Sell-Out (1992) as Derek Smalls / Mark Shubb
  • A Spinal Tap Reunion: The 25th Anniversary London Sell-Out (1992) Producer
  • A Spinal Tap Reunion: The 25th Anniversary London Sell-Out (1992) Writer
  • Metallica: A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica (1992) as Derek Smalls
  • Dinosaurs (1991) as Narrator (voice)
  • Oscar (1991) as Guido Finucci
  • The Fisher King (1991) as Sitcom Actor Ben Starr
  • Blood and Concrete (1991) as Sammy Rhodes
  • Pure Luck (1991) as Julius Monosoff
  • Amnesty International's Big 30 (1991) as Derek Smalls
  • Have I Got News for You (1990) as Self
  • Dream On (1990) as Steve
  • Hometown Boy Makes Good (1990) as Radio Announcer (voice)
  • The Jackie Bison Show (1990) as (voice)
  • Spy Magazine Presents How to Be Famous (1990) as Self
  • The American Film Institute Presents: TV or Not TV? (1990)
  • The Simpsons (1989) as Mr. Burns
  • The Simpsons (1989) as Ned Flanders / Mr. Burns / Smithers / Skinner / Lenny (voice)
  • The Simpsons (1989) as Derek Smalls (voice)
  • The Simpsons (1989) Writer
  • My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988) as Carl Sagan (voice)
  • Plain Clothes (1988) as Simon Feck
  • Spitting Image: The Ronnie & Nancy Show (1988) as Johnny Carson (Voice)
  • Portrait of a White Marriage (1988) as Al Silvers
  • Portrait of a White Marriage (1988) Director
  • Spitting Image: The 1987 Movie Awards (1987) as Various Roles
  • Martin Mull Live from North Ridgeville, Ohio (1987) as Robin Leach / Ronald Reagan / Nancy Reagan (voices)
  • Down and Out with Donald Duck (1987) as Additional Voices (voice)
  • L.A. Law (1986) as Gordon Huyck
  • Club Paradise (1986) Story
  • Spitting Image: Down And Out In The White House (1986) as Various Roles
  • The Hear 'n Aid Sessions (1986) as Derek Smalls [Spinal Tap]
  • The History of White People in America: Volume II (1986) as Rabbi
  • The History of White People in America: Volume II (1986) Director
  • The Golden Girls (1985) as George Bush (voice)
  • The History of White People in America (1985) as Rabbi
  • The History of White People in America (1985) Director
  • Jeopardy! (1984) as Self
  • Miami Vice (1984) as FBI Agent Timothy Anderson
  • This Is Spinal Tap (1984) as Derek Smalls
  • This Is Spinal Tap (1984) Original Music Composer
  • This Is Spinal Tap (1984) Writer
  • The Right Stuff (1983) as NASA Recruiter
  • Flicks (1983) as Narrator / Voice of Philip Alien / Voice of George Blik (voice)
  • The Million Dollar Infield (1982) as Jack Savage
  • Likely Stories Vol. 1 (1981)
  • Spinal Tap: The Final Tour (1981) as Derek Smalls
  • Spinal Tap: The Final Tour (1981) Writer
  • Animalympics (1980) as Keen Hacksaw / Mayor of Animal Olympic Island / Burnt Woody / Mark Spritz (voice)
  • One Trick Pony (1980) as Bernie Wepner
  • CBS News Sunday Morning (1979) as Self
  • The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979) as Jeffrey Marx
  • The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) as Murray Sports
  • The T.V. Show (1979)
  • The T.V. Show (1979) Writer
  • The T.V. Show (1979) Producer
  • The T.V. Show (1979) Musician
  • Just Friends (1979)
  • Real Life (1979) as Pete - Cameraman / Radio Announcer
  • Real Life (1979) Writer
  • Disco Beaver from Outer Space (1979) Writer
  • The Chevy Chase National Humor Test (1979)
  • The Chevy Chase National Humor Test (1979) Writer
  • America 2-Night (1978) Writer
  • Loose Shoes (1978) as Narrator (voice)
  • American Raspberry (1977) as Trucker's Friend
  • Cracking Up (1977)
  • Laverne & Shirley (1976)
  • Laverne & Shirley (1976) Writer
  • Serpico: The Deadly Game (1976) as Hippy
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Dr. Joseph Shuster (voice) (uncredited)
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Narrator / Emcee (uncredited)
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Franklin Roosevelt / Joe Garagiloa / Various (uncredited)
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Various (uncredited)
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Various Characters
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Derek Smalls (uncredited)
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) Writer
  • Jaws (1975) ADR & Dubbing
  • Sick (1975) as Dr. Jerry Shuster
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Street Kid
  • The Egyptian (1954) as Boy
  • The Robe (1953) as David (uncredited)
  • General Electric Theater (1953) as Timmy
  • Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953) as Second Boy (uncredited)
  • Omnibus (1952) as Johnny
  • Have I Got a Bit More News for You as Self - Panellist
  • Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale as Derek Smalls
  • You Don't Know Dick: The Comedy Mind of Richard M. Nixon