'Simpsons' loses voice of Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders as Harry Shearer exits

The voice actor behind "The Simpsons" characters Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner has announced that he is leaving the show.

Harry Shearer shared the news that he won't return to the Fox animated classic on Wednesday night via Twitter.

"From James L. Brooks' lawyer: "show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best," he wrote, referring to "The Simpsons" producer, Brooks.

"This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best."

Also Read: 'The Simpsons' Gets 2-Season Renewal From Fox

He went on to thank fans for their support over the years.

Shearer, 71, has worked as an actor, comedian, writer, voice artist, musician, author, radio host and director over the course of his long career. He co-created, co-wrote and co-starred in the 1984 satirical rock film "This Is Spinal Tap," and then worked on "Saturday Night Live" as an unofficial replacement for John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, which he reportedly called "living hell."

Shearer joined "The Simpsons" in 1989, and despite initially being concerned that voice work would be boring, he has since brought some of the most distinctive characters to life, saying that he modeled Mr. Burns on Ronald Reagan and Lionel Barrymore.

Fox renewed "The Simpsons" for its incredible 27th and 28th seasons earlier this month. All-in, that will take the series to 625 episodes.