Hank Azaria is Keeping the Harry Shearer ‘Simpsons’ Hope Alive

Our biggest ongoing story of late has been the departure of voice actor Harry Shearer from The Simpsons. We’ve talked about the reactions, we’ve talked about the speculation, and we’ve talked about future options for the show. This has been done both because there are so many layers to the story and also due to the fact that we refuse to give up hope that a deal can be worked out to bring him back. We’re fans, after all.

Well it turns out fellow Simpsons cast member Hank Azaria is also keeping the faith, as he told Vulture at the Garden of Dreams talent show. “You know, I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s gone,” Azaria said. “We’re very hopeful that something gets worked out. I’m not giving up on this.”

Asked to speculate on the possibility Shearer’s roles could be split amongst the other immensely-talented actors, Azaria said, “I don’t think we’ve gotten that far yet — we’re either very hopeful or in denial, we’ll see.”

He then added, “If he really doesn’t come back, the show has to continue in some way at least for a while … Maybe we’ll do a YouTube thing, like how they found that Asian guy that sings for Journey.”

As many others have done, he ended cautiously optimistic and placed a public plea: “We’ll jump off that bridge when we get to it. Harry, if you’re reading this, please come back!”

[via Vulture]