8. Mickey Rooney
Character: Himself
Episode: 'Radioactive Man', Series 7 (1995-'96)
Rooney is desperately funny and self-effacing as a parody of his fallen child-star self (the cartoon image of him squeezed into Milhouse’s spandex Fallout Boy outfit is equally disturbing and priceless).
He was a joy to work with, too. Nancy 'Bart' Cartwright remembers him being happy to do all his voice work alongside the other actors (unusual, apparently) and being “full of pep”.
7. Mel Gibson
Character: Himself
Episode: 'Beyond Blunderdome', Season 11 (1999-2000)
Another ace self-effacing appearance from a Hollywood high-flyer, this time with Mel Gibson taking notes on his latest blockbuster from a jealous, idiot-brained Homer.
The result: a remake of Mr Smith Goes To Washington in which every member of Congress is graphically slaughtered, with enough Tinseltown in-jokes to kill a small horse (“I second that motion… with a vengeance”).
6. Adam West
Character: Himself
Episode: 'Mr. Plow', Season 4 (1992-'93)
Episode writer Jon Vitti weaved West into the story just so he could finally meet the camp Batman legend.
West sends himself up brilliantly (“I didn't need a moulded plastic suit to improve my physique – pure West”). Matt Groening has since said that the TV star was one of the most popular guest performers among The Simpsons’ crew.
Comments
Lindz28
Apr 8th 2009, 11:29
Can you do a South Park list as an companion to this one? I'm thinking Mel Gibson bouncing around smearing poo everywhere!!
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avoidz
Apr 9th 2009, 6:25
Notice how all the great guest star appearances are all in the early- mid-1990's Simpsons episodes?
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Ominater
Apr 10th 2009, 18:13
I reckon Tony Blair should have been on this, in the episode where the Simpsons go to London
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TazzaWazza
Apr 28th 2009, 1:48
@Ominater Tony Blair is not a movie-star, though he was one hell of an actor...oh, a bit controversial there.
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idbjoshm
Jun 19th 2009, 7:34
I'm not sure if I missed it or not, I re read the article. But it is a travesty that Glenn Close wasn't even mentioned as Homer's mother! It's along the same mention as liz taylor as Maggie's voice. Just like Maggie's first word as a milestone, Homer finding out that his mother is alive should at least be mentioned as the top 5.
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stevolbauer
Jul 2nd 2010, 15:18
U2 were by far the best geust stars, they send themselves up terrifically Bono: Hes talking about waste management, that effects the whole damn system The Edge: Here he goes again
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