View source for Intended guest stars

{{Realworld}}
The following is a list of people known to have been '''intended to guest star''' on the show, but for whatever reason, did not appear. Reasons include being cut from the episode, rejecting the show, dying before being able to record their part and not being approached, despite being in the initial plans.

== Cut or replaced ==
These guest stars either recorded a role that was cut, or were replaced with a different actor.
*[[James Earl Jones]], who later made three guest appearances on the show, was initially lined up to voice [[Sideshow Bob]] in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" before [[Kelsey Grammer]] was selected.<ref name="BirdKGB">Bird, Brad. (2001). Commentary for "Krusty Gets Busted", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Catherine O'Hara}} originally recorded the role of [[Colette]] in "[[Flaming Moe's]]" but the writer's decided her voice didn't fit the character and she was redubbed with [[Jo Ann Harris]].<ref>Castellaneta, Dan. (2003). Commentary for "Flaming Moe's", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Julie Andrews}} was planned to voice [[Sharry Bobbins]] in "[[Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious]]" but the staff opted to use [[Maggie Roswell]] instead.<ref>{{cite video | people=Reiss, Mike|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 8 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref><ref>Cartwright, Nancy. ''[[My Life as a Ten Year old Boy]]'' ISBN 0-786-86696-9</ref>

*[[Marv Albert]] was originally going to play [[Roy Firestone]]'s part as a sports radio host in "[[Bart Star]]", but was dropped following {{W|Marv Albert#Sexual assault charges|sexual assault charges}} that were made against him around the time the episode was in pre-production.<ref>{{cite video | people=Scully, Mike|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Bart Star"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He later appeared "[[The Burns and the Bees]]".

*{{W|Robby Krieger}} of {{W|The Doors}} recorded a cameo for the episode "[[The Great Money Caper]]", but his part was cut because the writers felt his appearance seemed too forced. The scene was later included in the DVD.<ref>{{cite video | people=Reiss, Mike|date=2009|title=The Simpsons season 12 DVD commentary for the episode "The Great Money Caper"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*{{W|Jim Carrey}} agreed to voice the [[singing railroad hobo]] in "[[Simpsons Tall Tales]]" but did not have time to record the part and so was replaced by [[Hank Azaria]].<ref>Scully, Mike. (2009). Commentary for "Simpsons Tall Tales", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Twelfth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*In the original Fox press release for "[[Homerazzi]]" {{W|Peter Wolf}} and {{W|Harry Hamlin}} were announced as guest stars for this episode, but neither appeared.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Release from the Futon Critic |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20070302fox17 |accessdate=18 August, 2007}}</ref>

*{{W|Kenneth Branagh}} was stated by [[Al Jean]] as guest starring in "[[In the Name of the Grandfather]]",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/kenneth-branagh-lands-role-in-the-simpsons-13993631.html|title=Kenneth Branagh lands role in The Simpsons|work=Belfast Telegraph|accessdate=2009-02-28|date=2008-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-09-24-simpsons-20th-season_N.htm|title='The Simpsons' hits a landmark |author=Keveney, Bill|date=2008-09-26|accessdate=2009-02-28|work=USA Today}}</ref> but he did not appear and was replaced in his intended role by [[Colm Meaney]].<ref>{{Cite web|work=RTÉ Guide|url=http://www.rteguide.ie/2009/0316/star.html|title=The Simpsons|accessdate=2009-03-24|date=2009-03-17}}</ref> {{W|Kathy Ireland}} was also listed in the Fox press release as appearing as herself; she appeared but a caption stated she refused to voice herself.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Review -- The Simpsons: "In the Name of the Grandfather"|url=http://firefox.org/news/articles/2620/1/Review----The-Simpsons-quotIn-the-Name-of-the-Grandfatherquot/Page1.html|author=Ponywether, Ariel|publisher=FireFox|accessdate=2009-03-24|date=2009-03-23}}</ref>

*In the original Fox press release for "[[The Scorpion's Tale]]" [[Jackie Mason]] were announced as returning as [[Rabbi Krustofsky]] but did not appear.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z4&mo=2&d=27|title= = Schedule (February 27 - March 5)|publisher = FoxFlash}}</ref>

*{{W|Isla Fisher}}'s part,<ref name="pig feces"/> {{W|Erin Brockovich}}'s role as herself,<ref name="pig feces">{{cite news | author = Dan Snierson | title = Homer's Odyssey | work = Entertainment Weekly | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20047512,00.html | accessdate=2007-07-20|date=2007-07-20}}</ref> and {{W|Minnie Driver}}'s appearance as a grievance counsellor in ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'' were all cut.<ref name=drivercut>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1558514/20070501/story.jhtml|title=Movie File: 'Dark Knight,' Christian Bale, 'Simpsons Movie' & More|accessdate=2007-05-08|author=Shawn Adler; Larry Carroll|date=2007-05-02|work=MTV}}</ref>

*[[Edward Norton]], who previously appeared on the show, had his lines in the movie as the panicky man crushed by the dome re-dubbed by Castellaneta.<ref name=TSM>{{cite video | people=Brooks, James L.; Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Scully, Mike; Silverman, David; Castellaneta, Dan; Smith, Yeardley|date=2007|title=Audio commentary| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*A song about Alaska featuring music by {{W|David A. Stewart|Dave Stewart}} of {{w|Eurythmics}} was cut from the movie.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/23/simpsons-comic-con-season-23/|title=10 things we learned about 'The Simpsons' at Comic-Con|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Snierson, Dan|accessdate=2011-08-16|date=2011-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bullz-eye.com/music/interviews/2006/dave_stewart.htm|title=A chat with Dave Stewart|author=Harris, Will|work=Bullz-Eye.com|accessdate=2011-08-16|date=2006-10-10}}</ref>

== Turned down a role ==
*{{W|Sheldon Leonard}} was first choice for the role of [[Fat Tony]] in "[[Bart the Murderer]]" but he was unable to take the part.<ref name="btmcom">{{cite video | people=Jean, Al|date=2003|title=The Simpsons season 3 DVD commentary for the episode "Bart the Murderer"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*{{W|Bruce Springsteen}} rejected what became [[Sting]]'s part in "[[Radio Bart]]".<ref>{{cite video | people=Jean, Al|date=2003|title=The Simpsons season 3 DVD commentary for the episode "Radio Bart"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He previously rejected [[Larry King]]'s role in "[[One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish]]",<ref>{{cite video | people=Reiss, Mike|date=2002|title=The Simpsons season 2 DVD commentary for the episode "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> and later rejected the chance to appear in "[[When You Dish Upon a Star]]".<ref name=dish/>

*{{W|Ryne Sandberg}} and {{W|Carlton Fisk}} turned down the chance to guest star in "[[Homer at the Bat]]".<ref>{{cite news|title=Hairy problem dogs mattingly Don gets a 'toon-up' on 'Simpsons' tonight|accessdate=2008-02-19|date=1992-02-20|author=Tim Kaiser|page=C2|publisher=The Evansville Courier}}</ref>

*[[Don Rickles]] rejected a role as himself in "[[New Kid on the Block]]" in what was to be the episode's original subplot. [[Homer]] was supposed to fight with Rickles after laughing execessively during a performance leading to them attending court. Rickles rejected because he didn't like his portrayal.<ref name="Rickles">{{cite video | people=O'Brien, Conan; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Groening, Matt|date=2004|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season Commentary for the Episode "New Kid on the Block"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*[[George Takei]] (although he guest starred before and after) declined to appear as himself in "[[Marge vs. the Monorail]]" because he did not want to mock public transport. [[Leonard Nimoy]] accepted instead.<ref name=mono/>

*{{W|Tom Cruise}} rejected the part of [[Tom (Brother From the Same Planet)|Tom]] in "[[Brother from the Same Planet]]". [[Phil Hartman]] did the voice instead.<ref>Reiss, Mike (2004). Commentary for "Brother from the Same Planet", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season'' [DVD]. Twentieth Century Fox.</ref>

*Both {{W|Anthony Hopkins}} and {{W|Clint Eastwood}} turned down the part of the dentist [[Dr. Wolfe]] in "[[Last Exit to Springfield]]"; {{W|Anthony Perkins}} agreed to voice the character but died before the role could be recorded. [[Hank Azaria]] voiced Wolfe instead.<ref name="lets"/> 

*{{W|O. J. Simpson}} rejected a part as a panelist on ''[[Smartline]]'' in "Last Exit to Springfield", a role filled by Dr. [[Joyce Brothers]].<ref name="lets">{{cite video | people=Jean, Al|date=2004|title=The Simpsons season 4 DVD commentary for the episode "Last Exit to Springfield"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*All then-living ex-Presidents of the United States ([[Ronald Reagan]], [[Richard Nixon]], [[George H. W. Bush]], [[Jimmy Carter]] and [[Gerald Ford]]) were offered roles in "[[Krusty Gets Kancelled]]". Only Reagan responded and he declined.<ref name=kgk>Jean, Al. (2004). DVD Commentary for "Krusty Gets Kancelled", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|The Rolling Stones}} (although [[Mick Jagger]] and [[Keith Richards]] later appeared on the show) and {{W|Wynonna Judd}} both turned down a part in "Krusty Gets Kancelled".<ref name=kgk/>

*[[Matt Groening]] was told that if the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood appeared in an episode, it's creators {{W|Bruce Willis}}, {{W|Arnold Schwarzenegger}} and {{W|Sylvester Stallone}} would guest star. The staff wrote it in as the subplot for the episode "[[$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)]]" but they could not appear and the plot was dropped.<ref>{{cite video | people=Groening, Matt|date=2004|title=The Simpsons season 5 DVD commentary for the episode "$pringfield"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> 

*"$pringfield"'s original script indicates that [[Robert Goulet]]'s part was written for {{w|Wayne Newton}} and [[Gerry Cooney]]'s part was written for {{w|Marvelous Marvin Hagler}}.<ref>[http://twitdoc.com/docview?doc=36378392&key=key-1kc4bdh38apcbcwh0ttu&usr=oakley76@gmail.com&lcl=oakley76@gmail.com/vzoyvhnt/GamblingEpisodeFIRSTDRAFT.pdf&hits=72&qs=kfw7bq] - Script uploaded to Twitter by [[Bill Oakley]]</ref>

*{{W|Michael Caine}} turned down what became [[James Woods]]' part in "[[Homer and Apu]]".<ref>{{cite video | people=Mirkin, David|date=2004|title=The Simpsons season 5 DVD commentary for the episode "Homer and Apu"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*{{W|Richard Simmons}} wanted to guest star on the show, but rejected the role of the [[Robotic Richard Simmons|robotic version of himself]] in "[[Burn's Heir]]" because he didn't want to be a robot. The scene was later deleted but appeared in "[[The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular]]".<ref>Mirkin, David. (2004). Commentary for "Burns' Heir", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Al Gore}} was approached to host "[[Treehouse of Horror V]]" but he declined.<ref name=nh/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1995/07/17/1995-07-17_the_veep_ignores_chance_to_p.html|title=The Veep Ignores Chance To Play With The Simpsons|date=1995-07-17|work=Daily News|accessdate=2008-12-23}}</ref> Gore later approached the show in 2000 asking for a guest spot, but they rejected him.<ref>Chris Turner, ''Planet Simpson''</ref>

*{{W|William Hickey}} was the first choice for the role of [[Chester J. Lampwick]] in "[[The Day the Violence Died]]"; he was replaced by [[Kirk Douglas]].<ref name=dayviolence/> 

*{{W|David Brinkley}} also declined to voice himself in "The Day the Violence Died"; Castellaneta stood in.<ref name=dayviolence>Oakley, Bill. (2005) Commentary for "The Day the Violence Died", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Courtney Love}} and {{W|Hole (band)|Hole}} declined roles in "[[Homerpalooza]]".<ref>{{cite video | people=Keeler, Ken|date=2005|title=The Simpsons season 7 DVD commentary for the episode "Homerpalooza"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> As did {{W|Neil Young}} and {{W|Pearl Jam}}.<ref name=dylan>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,292523,00.html HOMERIC VERSE] ''Entertainment Weekly''. Published May 10, 1996, Retrieved on February 8, 2007</ref>

*{{W|Bob Dylan}} rejected a part in "Homerpalooza" and was replaced by [[Peter Frampton]].<ref>{{cite video | people=Weinstein, Josh|date=2005|title=The Simpsons season 7 DVD commentary for the episode "Homerpalooza"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref><ref name=dylan/> He was also a possible choice for the [[Space Coyote]] in "[[El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)]]", but [[Johnny Cash]] accepted the part.<ref>{{cite video | people=Weinstein, Josh|date=2006|title=The Simpsons The Complete Eighth Season DVD commentary for the episode "El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*The writers were unable to get {{W|Shirley Bassey}} to record "[[Scorpio]]" at the end of "[[You Only Move Twice]]".<ref>{{cite video | people=Weinstein, Josh|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 8 DVD commentary for the episode "You Only Move Twice"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*{{W|Don King}} rejected a role in "[[The Homer They Fall]]". [[Paul Winfield]] appeared as the King-parody character [[Lucius Sweet]] instead.<ref>{{cite video | people=Weinstein, Josh|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 8 DVD commentary for the episode "The Homer They Fall"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*{{W|Sheryl Crow}} rejected the chance to sing "Can I Borrow a Feeling?" over the end credits of "[[A Milhouse Divided]]".<ref>{{cite video | people=Oakley, Bill|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 8 DVD commentary for the episode "A Milhouse Divided"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*[[Quentin Tarantino]] was also asked to voice himself in "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious", but rejected the part, objecting to his lines. [[Dan Castellaneta]] voiced him instead.<ref>{{cite video | people=Groening, Matt|date=2006|title=The Simpsons season 8 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

*Bruce Willis (approached for the second time) and {{W|Demi Moore}} rejected the role of the celebrity couple in  "[[When You Dish Upon a Star]]". They were replaced by [[Alec Baldwin]] and [[Kim Basinger]].<ref name=dish>{{cite video | people=Appel, Richard|year=2007|title=The Simpsons: The Complete Tenth Season Commentary for the Episode "When You Dish Upon a Star"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> According to [[Christian Roman]], {{W|Nicole Kidman}}<ref>{{cite news|title=The Simpsons seek Aussie Nicole Kidman|author=Jonathan Moran|work=Bulletin Wire|date=2006-03-31}}</ref> and Tom Cruise (for the second time) as well as {{W|Goldie Hawn}} and {{w|Kurt Russell}} rejected the role as well.<ref>http://www.animationnation.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=print_topic;f=1;t=012543</ref> 

*{{W|Howard Stern}} declined to play himself in "[[Monty Can't Buy Me Love]]". He was replaced by [[Michael McKean]] as the character [[Jerry Rude]].<ref>Scully, Mike. (2007). Commentary for "Monty Can't Buy Me Love", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Tenth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*The staff failed to get {{w|Poison (band)|Poison}} lead singer {{W|Brett Michaels}} to voice the lead singer of the Poison tribute band [[Cyanide]] in "[[It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge]]".<ref>Scully, Mike (2008). Commentary for "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge", in ''The Simpsons: The Eleventh Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Sean Connery}} was the initial choice for, while {{W|Lyle Lovett}} rejected the role of, the [[Ultrahouse]] in "[[Treehouse of Horror XII]]".<ref>"[[Treehouse of Horror XII]]" DVD commentary</ref>

*{{W|Michael Clarke Duncan}} declined to voice a character similar to his role as John Coffey in ''{{W|The Green Mile}}'' in the episode "[[The Frying Game]]".<ref name="Jean">Jean, Al. (2010). Commentary for "The Frying Game", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

*{{W|Tom Brokaw}} rejected the chance to play [[Tom Brokaw|himself]] in "[[Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade]]" because he liked [[Harry Shearer]]'s impersonation of him.<ref>The Simpsons: The Complete Fourteenth Season Commentary for the Episode "Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade"</ref>

*[[Harvey Fierstein]] was asked to return as [[Karl]] in "[[Three Gays of the Condo]]" but declined because the script didn't have "that ''Simpsons'' twist".<ref>Ortved, John. ''[[The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History]]'', 2009, Greystone Books ISBN - 978-1-55365-503-9 pp. 248&ndash;250</ref>

*{{W|Jon Bon Jovi}} rejected what became [[Jackson Browne]]'s role in "[[Brake My Wife, Please]]".<ref>''Simpsons Celebrity Friends'', Sky One</ref><ref name=var>http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117961291.html?categoryid=14&cs=1</ref>

*The writers originally drew up a list of ten British celebrities they wanted to appear in "[[The Regina Monologues]]".<ref name=ind>{{cite news|title=When Homer met Tony for tea and tourist tips at 10 Downing St|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/when-homer-met-tony-for-tea-and-tourist-tips-at-10-downing-st-757576.html|accessdate=2008-08-03|date=2003-11-22|work=The Independent|publisher= Independent News & Media|author=Burrell, Ian}}</ref> The Archbishop of Canterbury {{W|Rowan Williams}} (a fan of the show) was included in a draft of the script acting as a tour guide and showing some of his relatives around London. Williams had to reject the part due to other engagements.<ref name=ind/> The script also included a role for a musician; the staff had hoped to get {{W|David Bowie}} or {{W|Morrissey}} for the part but nothing came together.<ref name=ind/> {{W|David Beckham|David}} and {{W|Victoria Beckham}} were also originally sought to guest star in the episode, and would be seen bickering on the street. They were dropped after [[Tony Blair]] agreed to guest star,<ref name=ind/> and it was deemed that they were not famous enough in the United States and so were not approached.<ref name=ind/><ref>{{cite news|author= Staff writer|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_2937000/2937711.stm|title=D'oh! The Simpsons say no to Becks!|date=2003-04-10|accessdate=2007-04-06|work=Newsround|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

*{{W|Christina Aguilera}} rejected what became [[Fantasia Barrino]]'s role in "[[A Star is Torn]]".<!--rumour is that she get sacked--><ref>[http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/news/christina-aguilera-turned-down-simpsons-role Christina Aguilera turned down Simpsons role]</ref>

*{{W|Prince (musician)|Prince}} was lined up to appear in an [[unproduced episodes|unproduced]] sequel to "[[Stark Raving Dad]]" as [[Leon Kompowsky]]. Although he initially accepted it transpired that the script he received was not the one written by the staff and Prince refused to appear using the staff's script and so the episode was never made.<ref>Reiss, Mike. (2003). Easter Egg Commentary for "Stark Raving Dad", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

== Unknown episodes ==
*{{W|William Shatner}} declined a part at some point during the show's early period.<ref name=mono>{{cite video | people=Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike|date=2004|title=The Simpsons season 4 DVD commentary for the episode "Marge vs. the Monorail"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He has been called the first person to reject the show.<ref>{{cite video | people=Reiss, Mike; Jean, Al; Archer, Wes|date=2001|title=The Simpsons The Complete First Season DVD commentary for the episode "The Call of the Simpsons"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>
*{{W|Frank Zappa}} was set too guest star but became to ill to record a part.<ref>{{cite news|title=Book my own band? Eat my shorts|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=2003-04-03|author=Tom Cox}}</ref>
*{{W|Robert DeNiro}} was intended to make an appearance in season 7 or 8 but no appropriate role was found.<ref name=nh>http://www.nohomers.net/showthread.php?t=51876</ref>
*{{W|Smokey Robinson}} rejected a part.<ref name=var/>
*[[Bill Clinton]] rejected the show,<ref name=reiss>http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/mediarpt/stories/s1516933.htm</ref> as did [[George W. Bush]].<ref>http://www.simpsonschannel.com/news/monthly-archive-6-2005.html</ref>
*{{W|Kathy Bates}} rejected a role.<ref name=reiss/>
*{{W|Gregory Peck}} rejected a part.<ref name="Rickles"/>
*{{W|Tiger Woods}} rejected a role.<ref>"[[Blame it on Lisa]]" commentary</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Guest stars| ]]
[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Production]]