Harry Shearer and his many voices are returning to “The Simpsons” after a contentious and public contract dispute. Dueling tweets in May between Shearer and “Simpsons” executive producer Al Jean suggested Shearer might be leaving the Fox cartoon series, where he has voiced numerous key characters since it debuted in 1989. Shearer voices characters including Simpsons neighbor Ned Flanders, billionaire Mr. Burns and his kowtowing aide, Smithers. The multitasking Shearer, 71, has charted a diverse career on numerous projects as an actor, writer, musician and producer, both before and since becoming part of the “Simpsons” troupe.
