Kirk Douglas’s Unforgettable Recording Session on The Simpsons
Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas brought his larger-than-life personality to The Simpsons, making his guest appearance as memorable for its backstage drama as for his performance. Discover how his demanding approach left a lasting mark on the iconic animated series.
Kirk Douglas stands as one of the most iconic figures from Hollywood ’s classic era, celebrated for his roles in films like Spartacus and Paths of Glory. Yet, his reputation for being a challenging collaborator often rivaled his acting legacy. Known for his strong will and fiery temperament, Douglas was no stranger to on-set disputes, even coming close to a physical altercation with John Wayne. By the 1990s, Douglas’s assertive nature hadn’t faded, and it was on full display when he agreed to lend his voice to a character on The Simpsons.
Douglas’s Demanding Approach
For many stars, appearing on The Simpsons was a coveted honor, with the show featuring a long list of high-profile guest voices, including Leonard Nimoy, Albert Brooks, Glenn Close, Frank Weller, Sam McMurray, and Mark Hamill. But when it came to Douglas, the process was anything but smooth. Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind Bart Simpson, recounted in her memoir My Life as a Ten-Year-Old how difficult it was to get Douglas to engage with the recording process. He arrived with his limo idling outside, determined to limit himself to just two takes for each line.
The situation grew even more complicated when Douglas refused to wear headphones in the recording booth, making it impossible for director Josh Weinstein to communicate with him directly. This left Cartwright to guide the three-time Oscar nominee through his lines. Douglas repeatedly misread the phrase
“I changed all that”
as
“I charged all that.”
The crew worried about correcting him, fearing his reaction. Cartwright cleverly broke his self-imposed two-take rule by faking a loud sneeze, creating a pause that allowed her to review the lines with Douglas and help him get it right.
A Standout Episode in Simpsons History
Despite his apparent lack of interest in the show or its team, Douglas’s performance became a standout moment in The Simpsons’ legacy. In the episode “The Day The Violence Died,” Bart tracks down Chester J. Lampwick, voiced by Douglas, who claims to be the true creator of The Itchy and Scratchy Show. The story unfolds into a legal battle involving Roger Meyers Sr., played by Alex Rocco, and nearly leads to the show’s cancellation when the network faces bankruptcy. This episode offered a satirical look at the volatile personalities in the entertainment industry and the ongoing struggle for creative credit.
Unique Casting Choices
What set “The Day the Violence Died” apart from other episodes was its approach to guest casting. Rather than having celebrities play exaggerated versions of themselves, the show brought in talents like Douglas and Rocco to voice original, fully developed characters. While Douglas may not have given the experience much thought, his contribution became part of the golden era of one of television’s most beloved animated series.