NEW YORK – In its 23rd year on TV, “The Simpsons” could be on the endangered species list.

The show’s producer said Tuesday the show can’t continue under its current financial model, following a report that big pay cuts are being sought for the actors who provide voices for Homer, Marge and Bart Simpson and other characters.

“We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model,” said Chris Alexander, spokesman for 20th Century Fox Television.

The animated series is a fixture on Fox’s Sunday night schedule, and critics consider it one of the best shows in the medium. But like many programs that have been on the air for a long time, the cost of making it has become prohibitive.

The Fox network reportedly loses money each year on new episodes, even as all the old episodes run in perpetuity in reruns and are a cash cow for producers and creators.

The Daily Beast reported Tuesday that producers are demanding a 45 percent pay cut from the six voice actors, who reportedly make nearly $8 million each for a season. The website said the voice actors have offered to take a 30 percent pay in return for a portion of the show’s syndication and merchandise revenue.

Advertisement

The key actors include Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Hank Azaria (Moe the bartender, Chief Wiggum and Apu) and Harry Shearer (Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders).

Douglas’ son: Jail beats bail

NEW YORK – The imprisoned son of Michael Douglas has testified that he would have been better off staying in jail rather than being freed on bail after he was arrested in New York on drug charges.

Cameron Douglas testified Tuesday at a drug trial in Manhattan federal court. He said he learned the federal prison system treats drug-addicted inmates when they arrive. Instead, he was freed on bail after his arrest in July 2009 for dealing methamphetamine from a high-end Manhattan hotel.

The son of the Oscar-winning actor eventually pleaded guilty to charges and agreed to cooperate in a deal that secured him a five-year prison term.

Second coming

Advertisement

NEW YORK – A hit revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Canada is coming south to Broadway as expected.

Producers said Tuesday that the rock musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will hit New York in the spring, with previews starting March 1.

Adele cancels tour again for throat trouble

NEW YORK – Adele is again canceling concerts because of throat troubles.

Her 10-city U.S. concert run was to kick off in Atlantic City, N.J., on Friday and take her to cities including Nashville, Tenn., and Miami. But in a statement released Tuesday, those performances were canceled, blamed on a hemorrhage into her vocal chord.

The “Rolling in the Deep” singer canceled some U.S. concert dates in April because of laryngitis.

The best-selling British soul singer says she’s going to start vocal rehab soon.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.