Top 10 British Guest Stars In The Simpsons

“The Simpsons” sports a rich history of Harry Potter in-jokes, but this has to be the best. Guest starring in the mini-story ‘Tweenlight’, Daniel Radcliffe parodies Robert Pattinson and “Twilight” by voicing a smooth-talking vampire who sweeps Lisa off her feet. It’s not Radcliffe’s only role in “The Simpsons”, either. He also played the free-spirit falconer Diggs, who befriends Bart before jumping out of a tree. Special shout out to when Potter writer JK Rowling cameoed too, in an episode that also featured Ian McKellen and Tony Blair! Now, that’s magic.

As undisputed icons of British music, bands don’t come much bigger than The Who. And the famous four-piece totally smashed it for “The Simpsons”’ 250th episode. The storyline sees Springfield divided over the creation of a new telephone area code. But, when The Who play a gig for one half of the town, they end up solving the split by way of rock ‘n’ roll – with Homer front and centre. A fan favourite episode, the only disappointment is that Pete Townshend didn’t lend his voice – his lines are actually delivered by his brother, Paul.

While most of this flashback episode focusses on Lisa’s birth and early childhood, the most memorable moment comes at the close, when Maggie forms her first word. A classic scene, the pivotal line was actually voiced by a Hollywood icon. It reportedly took Liz Taylor more than 20 takes to get it right, but the end result is a stand-out moment from the show’s history. It nabbed Taylor an invite back for a later episode too, this time cameoing as herself in “Krusty Gets Kancelled”.

Solo Brit musicians are another ample source of “Simpsons” guest star potential, and we can’t not mention Sting’s stirring parody of charity pop singles. But Elton earns his own entry, if only for the ridiculousness of the storyline he gets involved in. After an inexplicable mix-up at Springfield airport, he’s quickly caged by Homer, before chewing his way to freedom. Next comes a near death experience alongside Apu, before he finally settles down to what he’s known for – some good ol’ fashioned singing.

Fresh out of “The Office”, Ricky Gervais was one of the UK’s most popular comedians when Matt Groening came calling in 2004. And the David Brent actor made history by not only guest starring in this episode, but writing it too. For a story inspired by the TV series “Wife Swap”, Gervais plays Charles Heathbar – Marge’s seemingly perfect swap for Homer. Ricky’s writing partner Stephen Merchant has also lent his voice to the show, and Gervais has since been invited back, so watch this space for more of the same.

Another serial “Simpsons” guest star, Simon Cowell’s first role in the show was as Henry – the over-demanding head of Maggie’s preschool. But we’ve singled out this appearance as himself, in a story centred on Moe. “Judge Me Tender” sees the surly barman catch a big break as a TV talent show judge, working his way to the top until he becomes Cowell’s protégé. But Simon’s ego just can’t stand it, causing Moe’s career to quickly crash and burn. It’s a cracking cameo, though.

The Beatles and the Simpsons go way back, with a host of classic appearances. George Harrison was there for this famous line; , and Paul McCartney teamed up with Linda when Lisa turned vegetarian. But we’ve given Ringo centre stage for once. The drummer was the first Beatle to appear in the show, and his scenes are truly something to behold. Surrounded by decades of unanswered fan mail, he finally gets around to replying to Marge – inspiring her to take up painting once again.

As today’s highest ranked musicians, these Rolling Stones legends led the way for an episode stacked with star power. As Homer becomes disillusioned with how his life has turned out, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards front a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy camp – allowing Homer and his buddies to realise their rock star dreams. With the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello and Tom Petty also involved, the plectrum-packed plotlines strike exactly the right chord – and Homer puts on quite a performance.

Thanks to roles in “American Dad!”, “Family Guy” and “The Emoji Movie”, Patrick Stewart is well known for his voiceover work. But, head back to the mid-‘90s, and this “Simpsons” role is probably still his best bit of animated acting. Stewart stars as Number One, a prominent figure in the secret Stonecutters society that Homer is desperate to be part of. Taking the lead on initiations and instigating a memorable musical number, he’s a vital part to a classic “Simpsons” story.

Stephen Hawking was well known for his pop culture cameo appearances, but his spots on “The Simpsons” are especially well remembered. Hawking stopped by Springfield on multiple occasions – even mixing a rap record at one point – but we’ve focussed on his first appearance. The celebrated scientist arrives to find the show’s cleverest characters competing against each other. But no one can trump Hawking’s intelligence, and he lays down the law accordingly – before winding up in Moe’s. Genius.