Oscar-nominated actor was one of the ‘friendliest guest stars’ on The Simpsons, showrunner says

An Academy Award-nominated actor was one of the “friendliest guest stars” The Simpsons ever hosted, a former showrunner has shared.

Josh Weinsten worked on the long-running animated comedy during its glory days and says that one Oscar-nominee who appears in the season eight finale is one of the nicest actors they had worked with. The Simpsons is notorious for its guest stars, with the likes of Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Dustin Hoffman all making appearances on the show. Jeff Goldblum and Peter Frampton were both cited by Weinstein as two of the nicest performers to have appeared on the show, but it’s a Spider-Man and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou star who was placed in the top five of friendliest guest stars.

Featuring in the episode The Secret War of Lisa Simpson, Willem Dafoe was singled out by Weinstein for being a charming member of the team who “nailed” the role he was cast in. In 1998, Dafoe voiced The Commandant, who lectures Bart and Lisa at a children’s training camp.

Weinstein wrote: “Along with Jeff Goldblum and Peter Frampton, Willem Dafoe was one of our top five friendliest guest stars. I had guests in the studio – who I told to sit back/not interfere – but Willem introduced himself to all, talked to each person and was so charming. Plus, he totally nailed the role!”

While Weinstein says he just can’t remember” where the name of the character came from, he suggested it could have been a last-minute throwout because the team couldn’t think of anything better. He added: “The fact we called him “The Commandant” may be an indication of a failed attempt at the perfect name, ha.”

The show’s former writer went on to share other guest stars who had been a delight to work with. He added: “Kelsey Grammar – Sideshow Bob, of course – is also one of the kindest, most absolutely charming and enthusiastic guest stars as well.”

Not everyone was a delight to work with though as Weinstein confirmed Lawrence Tierney was “famously difficult” to have in the recording studio. He shared: “We only had a couple of guest stars that were uncooperative. Lawrence Tierney (Don Brodka in Marge Be Not Proud) was famously difficult – the whole story can be found here & on DVD commentary – but he wasn’t exactly ‘unfriendly,’ more just incredibly crusty, cranky & difficult!”