I'm Yeardley Smith - Voice of Lisa Simpson and Host of the true crime podcast, "Small Town Dicks.” AMA!

Is Lisa's voice your actual voice? Like how Brian Griffin is essentially Seth MacFarlane's actual voice?

It's close. We're not that far apart mostly because I don't know what I'm doing :)

I always enjoy your commentary on the DVDs, but it seems like you're the only cast member who is a regular through most of them. Do you just enjoy doing them or did you lose some kind of bet?

HAHA. I like to do what I can to support the show that has given me so much. Plus I really enjoy them because I always learn a lot from the writers and animators.

Have you noticed that Lisa seems to have an addictive personality; like when she collected Olympic pics, or almost became a smoker, or got addicted to playing Crash Bandicoot... and of course, the Corey Hotline?

She's definitely Type A. We have that in common.

What was it like working on Maximum Overdrive? How was Stephen King as a director?

I loved working on that movie! Especially because it was going to be directed by Stephen King. And while he was out of his depth in terms of directing (by his own admission) he was humble and willing and welcoming.

Does anyone ever ask you about Herman’s Head? That was a neat show.

Yes, all the time. People really loved that show. I'm always grateful.

What's it been like working on a show like the Simpsons for so many years? Do you have a favorite episode?

It's been amazing!! It's the best job in the world. NO JOKE!

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I have a running list of about 5-10 favorite episodes that changes regularly. My top 5 today would have to be, in no particular order:

• The Man Who Grew Too Much
• Lisa on Ice
• Bart Sells His Soul
• Treehouse of Horror I
• Lisa Substitute

How often are you recognized in public?

Almost everyday :)

Hi Yeardley,

Out of all the celebrities to guest star on the Simpsons, who was the most fun to work with?

Lady Gaga was awesome! Eric Idle was really fun. Ricky Gervais wrote his own episode that had a song in it that he also wrote. Ludacris was a ball.

Have you ever worn braces? (Sorry. I had to ask)

Yes. I sure did. And I had headgear.

Do you feel that the Simpsons has declined in quality with time?

When your churning out 22 shows per season it's impossible for every show to be stellar. There will always be an ebb and flow. I think what sticks with me more is the fact that we still have such a huge enthusiastic fan base. We still make top 10 lists regularly, and I'm just enormously proud to be part of something that is an iconic part of pop-culture. That's rare air and I never take it for granted.

In Portland we had a new bridge erected a few years back and we were floating around the idea of calling it the Lisa Simpson Bridge. Did you hear about this?

I did not!! But I think that's a fantastic idea!

Hey there, Yeardley! With Nancy writing an episode script for a Lisa-centric ep that will air later this season (Girl’s in the Band), any chance you’d return the favor and write a script for Bart?

Oh no, that's way above my pay grade :)

Why do think The Legend of Billie Jean was so unfairly snubbed by Oscar voters in 1985?

Because it's not that good. LOL.... Which doesn't mean it's not entertaining but I wouldn't say it was Oscar worthy.

Which one is better? Herman's Head or Inside Out?

I don't know about better but Herman's Head was first. :)

What is the creepiest crime you have profiled on Small Town Dicks? What inspired you to pursue true crime as a topic for a podcast?

Crimes with children are particularly hard to listen to but every time I hear another case about the horrible things that people do to each other, I'm stunned.

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As for starting the podcast, I've always been interested in people who didn't value the rules most of us live by. Like trust.

With the new Treehouse of Horror coming up, do you have a favorite segment from a Treehouse episode?

There is a segment in the trilogy where Lisa falls victim to multiple personalities. That was pretty fun.

Hi, Yeardley!! Thank you helping to give Lisa her voice, literally & figuratively for 30 seasons ♥️♥️. I'd like to know if there are any particular moments as Lisa where you feel proudest of your work? Also, I see how your personality helps inform Lisa as a character over the years. Has Lisa, either as a character or any certain script that was centered on her, taught you something you treasure in your life?

If I can also ask do you have any people -- victims or criminals -- or cases from Small Town Dicks that you continue to think about more than the others?

Great questions:

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1) I try to do something that I'm proud of in every episode and that's not just a bullshit answer. It's true.

2) The funny thing is when Lisa Simpsons received the note from Mr. Bergstrom in "Lisa's Substitute" that read "You are Lisa Simpson," I didn't get it. haha. I was 24-years-old and I remember feeling like the writers had cheated Lisa Simpson out of something she really needed in that moment. Now that I'm 54 and a little wiser, I totally get it. #BetterLateThanNever

3) I think about the victims families who are left behind to deal with the tragedy. I can't imagine how you recover from some of their losses.

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As someone who (I assume) has met and conversed with him before, what's John Swartzwelder like? To outsiders he's notoriously reclusive and many Simpsons fans have even debated his existence.

I can assure you he exists. He's just very private. Even with those of us he worked with all those years.

Hey!

What's the weirdest/funniest thing that's happened while in production of The Simpsons?

When Bono from U2 guest starred on The Simpsons and our music supervisor told him he was a bit "pitchy" he mooned us.

Because you have such an iconic voice, do you ever disguise your voice when out in public?

It's impossible. I always sound exactly like myself.

Do you feel the animation change through the years has added or taken away from the heart of the Simpsons? The old style animation gave a lot more feeling to the characters vs the new animation being so clean and crisp it's almost robotic. I feel like the Simpsons really benefited from the old style.

We were one of the last animated shows to switch to computer animation. I think we did it in season 12. But they literally stopped making the cellophane that animators would paint on, so we had no choice. That said, I believe you're bound to lose some texture when you go from all hand drawn to computer animation. But we gained over a million colors.

I have so many questions I would love to ask you, but I'll stick to just a few.

1) You've done the voice of Lisa Simpson for all sorts of media. How would you compare voicing lines for the show vs voicing lines for a video game?

2) How often do you work in-studio with the other voice actors, like Dan Castellaneta and Nancy Cartwright, and how are your interactions with them outside of the studio?

3) Outside of true crime and acting, what are some of your favorite hobbies?

4) Open auditions don't normally happen for The Simpsons, so what advice would you give someone who isn't famous who wanted to do voice work on the show?

Ok. Here we go!

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1) It's the same. There's no difference because for me the character is the character.

2) We record The Simpsons all together like an old radio play. So I see my colleagues all the time in-studio. But we don't socialize outside of work.

3) Cooking, sleeping, did I mention cooking? idk...I'm kind of boring when it comes to hobbies.

4) Sadly, there are never open auditions for The Simpsons and in terms of doing voice over work in general I'm not a very good resource since I always regard these questions of advice as though you're asking me to solve you're calculus problem with an abacus. :(

Do you have much of a recollection doing the guest spot on "Dead Like Me"? Your episode was significant for Mandy's character in giving Rube a closure of sort. But your character was pivotal in facilitating that. Both of you were great in that one. I was wondering if there were any plans to explore/expand the reaper's community with more guest spots of characters like yours.

P.S. I first saw you in an installment of Square One TV's Dragnet "spoof". Remember the gorilla thing? What was it like for you early in your career? Any memories to share?

I don't know of any plans for "Dead Like Me" to come back but I enjoyed doing it.

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Yup, I remember the gorilla. To be honest I was and am very ambitious and I love to work so I was all about it.

Did Daniel Stern ever do right by you after he got you pregnant in City Slickers?

What do you mean by that? Haha.

Can i get a hi from the actual Lisa Simpson?

Hi! :)

Favorite outfit (other than the classic lampshade dress) Lisa wears?

I love Lisa's "Sunday Best" outfit and I love her one-piece swimsuit.

I grew up with the Québécois dub of the Simpsons.

I'd like to ask you if you like her québécois voice actress and do you feel she captures the essence of the character

Here's a link to her performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N2sj_QaT4w

Well, my French isn't good enough to fairly judge her performance. But the interesting thing about The Simpsons being dubbed into other languages is that the people in those countries learn to love the voice they hear all the time and aren't attached to mine or any of the other American Simpsons voices. So vive la Québécois Lisa Simpson!

Which episode of "Small Town Dicks" should I listen to first to get me hooked?

Any other podcasts that you'd recommend? You mentioned listening to them in the car and so forth in another answer.

It's hard to pick a favorite because I think they're all really well told. If you're looking for one I'd start with "Don't Go!" which is Season One, Episode One. If you're up for a 4-parter, go straight to "The Sociopath & The Whistle Blower" also in season one.

Did you and Pamela Adlon ever bond over having voiced beloved, animated child characters for over a decade? Did Lisa Simpson ever get to talk to Bobby Hill?

No, but Pamela and I used to audition together for live action TV way back in the day when we were both starting out. And Lisa Simpson has never met Bobby Hill.

What is the weirdest fan encounter you’ve ever had? I assume you’ve been propositioned for dinner, sex, etc.

Honestly, my fans are mostly really lovely and respectful and excited to see me. But sometimes I get freaked out when people know what flight I'm on when I haven't told anyone. That can be unsettling. Like how did they know I was on that flight? But moving on, I'm also always surprised, but also amused by people who are eager to show me their full body tattoos of Simpsons characters or art.

Lisa Simpson is often considered the moral center or compass of the show. How does that make you feel? Was there ever a moment that you felt went against this character trait?

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What was your favorite role other than Lisa Simpson?

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How many centuries until the Simpsons are no longer on television (assuming some sort of TV still exists)? Three? Four?

That's a lot of questions. I'll do my best here.

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1) Lisa being the moral compass is just one of many fantastic elements of that character. So I don't feel a responsibility to uphold that. At the same time once in a great while, the writers have Lisa Simpson doing or saying something I don't think she would do and I always speak up about that. But it happens so rarely that it's not an ongoing battle or anything.

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2) I have a few but one that comes to mind is "Marlene" on Dharma & Greg.

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3) I think we're about half way done.

Have you ever been told you lost a role because of your voice being so identifiable as Lisa?

People aren't usually that forthcoming. But I have no doubt I've lost roles because I do this iconic character.

Hey, how is Lisa Simpson acting for 25 years?

I'm going on 30+ years and I love it. She's one of my favorite characters of all time.

Why do you think true crime podcasts are so popular?

Why did you decide to get into production?

I think people like the good guys to win because if they don't society crumbles into chaos. Also when the good guys win I believe we feel safer and like there's order in the world.

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I decided to get into production because I can't wait around for people to give me jobs other than The Simpsons so I decided to create my own :)

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Favorite Simpsons characters other than Lisa?

I have several: Moe the bartender, Barney, the one-eyebrowed baby, Nelson. I also love Maggie Simpson.

What's your favorite band to listen to when you're just hanging around the house or driving around town?

I actually listen to a lot of podcasts when driving, cooking or just hanging around the house. But when I workout I listen to a mix of 80s hair bands and classic rewind (Journey, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Boston....You get the picture.)

When is the Simpsons going to end?

I think we're about halfway done :)

Who was the funniest guest star on Simpson’s?

Eric Idle had us in stitches but to be honest it's hard top the talent of Tress, Hank, Dan and Harry who all do multiple voices.

Do you play The Simpsons: Tapped Out? (not asking for your username)

I don't but I heard it's great.

Do you have any good stories from Herman's Head? I loved that show so much. You were just fantastic :)

In one episode they had me smoke a cigar. I was sick for two full days after that. HAHA. YUCK!

Do you have any Simpsons toys?

I don't have a lot of Simpsons toys, because I don't like clutter. But I do have quite a few framed Simpsons cels that I've hung floor to ceiling in the guest bedroom. They're gorgeous!

Who has been your favorite guest to appear on the Simpsons? Anyone you've been particularly starstruck by?

I was starstruck by Lady Gaga and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Hi Yeardley!

I seem to remember the original Simpsons as a part of the old 'Tracey Ullmam Show', and a lot of the voice actors were part of that cast. Did you appear on that show? And if not, how did you end up with Lisa?

Yes, I did. All the original actors are still the original actors. Except Hank, who replaced another actor as "Moe" after one episode.

What are your thoughts on Das Bus (the Lord of the Flies episode)?

I think it's a good one. Can't say I have any strong feeling about it one way or another. I take it from your question that you have some thoughts about that episode.

What is your favorite thing about Lisa Simpson ?

Her sense of humor and her resilience.

If they made Herman’s Head into a movie who would you want to play your character?

Are you suggesting it wouldn't be me? Haha.

Looking forward to All Square! What first drew you to the script?

Michael Kelly brought us the script. I'm such a huge fan of his! I was excited to see him do a comedy and smile for once. Although he still plays a grumpy asshole.

Will you call me for my birthday this weekend (and do Lisa)?

Haha, no, but I'll wish you a happy birthday right now.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (maybe save this for tomorrow?? :) )

What was your favourite song growing up? Do you still like that kind of music today?

I think my favorite song growing up was "I Think I Love You" by David Cassidy (yes, I'm old) and once in a great while I'll still hear it on the radio and I still love it :) .

I really enjoyed dead like me. Is Mandy patinkin fun to work with? Is he a sweetheart?

We had a great time together. He was really generous as an actor in our scenes.

What is like being not noticed by the general public by looks. But when you speak, everyone goes ‘’hang on?’’, ‘’are you like from the Simpsons?’’.

It must be an interesting experience.

I actually get recognized by "my looks" quite regularly. I would say I actually have the best of both worlds where everywhere I go if people recognize me they welcome me warmly, but I'm not so famous that I can't also have a life.

Any Simpsons ships? (As in which characters would make the best romantic pairs?)

How about Shauna and Groundskeeper Willie? I think they'd be an entertaining pair :)

Do you ever get to record with guest stars nowadays? And who has been your favourite guest star?

Yes, sometimes if their schedules permit it. I threw some names out earlier if you wanna take a gander :)

Are there any excuses for Lisa Goes Gaga?

I don't understand the question.

Remember Herman's Head?

Of course!

How do you handle being so awesome and hot at the same time? :P

(But in all seriousness) Have you ever had a situation that being the voice of Lisa made you ridiculously happy/touched?

Haha. Thank you. It takes a village.

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All the time! I love watching Lisa on TV. She never fails to make me smile and make me proud.

What cool things have fans done for you over the years? Any nice gifts you've received?

The best thing that fans do for me is tell me how happy they are to meet me when I'm in their hometown, for instance. They don't really give me gifts which I'm good with because, I don't need more stuff.

Do you think Lisa Simpson is gay/bi/pan?

That's a good question. So far she's had a lot of crushes on boys so that makes me think she's straight but she has a lot of life ahead of her so who knows?

How do you sound on helium?

Like I sucked helium.

I love seeing you pop up in random movies and TV shows when I least expect it because you always bring the right amount of sass! Do you have any favorite memories of Mad Men or (my personal favorite) The Legend of Billie Jean? Have a great day!

I wish my part on Mad Men had been bigger but nevertheless I was inspired to buy the period girdle that all the women had to wear on the show. I was just sure The Legend of Billie Jean was going to make me a mega-star when it released. And then it was a bomb, haha. It has since become a huge cult classic. Hooray!

What do you think about Lisa’s relationship with Janey?

They don't have much of a relationship. But Janey seems like a fair-weather friend, anyway so perhaps it's for the best.

You've worked with Julie Kavner for many years now. What's she like? She's always intrigued Simpsons fans such as myself as she's really private and no one knows much about her.

On that subject, you've worked with Julie, Dan, Harry, Hank, Nancy, etc. for over a quarter of a century now. Having worked with them for so long, have you guys grown close and become friends in real life like the cast of Friends? What's the dynamic like, and do you guys ever hang out outside of table reads and Simpsons stuff?

Julie is lovely and warm and incredibly funny on the show and in real life. She's also very private without being in any way standoffish (has anyone ever used the word "standoffish in an AMA...probably not, heehee).

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We all have the utmost respect for each other and enjoy what each person brings to their characters but we don't socialize outside of the show.

What are your thoughts on the episode "The Principal and the Pauper" and the revelation that Principal Skinner is actually a fraud who's real name is Armin Tamzarian? Both Matt Groening and Harry Shearer have gone on record over the years expressing their anger and disgust over that episode. Groening called it "a mistake" and Shearer said "That's so wrong. You're taking something that an audience has built eight years or nine years of investment in and just tossed it in the trash can for no good reason, for a story we've done before with other characters. It's so arbitrary and gratuitous, and it's disrespectful to the audience," as well as "Now, [the writers] refuse to talk about it. They realize it was a horrible mistake. They never mention it. It's like they're punishing [the audience] for paying attention."

Do the Simpsons staff really not talk about the episode? Do you consider it canon?

I'm gonna have to defer to Matt and Harry on this one since they're closest to the character. But I will say, we never want our fans to feel "punished" for paying attention. We love that you pay such close attention and even so sometimes mistakes are made.

Because you brought up the Multiplisaty segment from the upcoming Treehouse of Horror (can't wait to see it!), how difficult was it to change-up your delivery for Lisa with her personality fragmented into extreme variants while still keeping them distinctly "Lisa"?

It was really hard! It stretched my talents to the limit. Kidding not kidding

Both you and Zibby have a real knack for asking the right questions to let a story develop from beginning to end. How much prep do the two of you do for a show in terms of research or pre-interviews? How much and what typically gets edited out for the sake of pace?

We used to do a lot of prep and that just became too cumbersome. So then we went in the opposite direction and started doing no prep so that we could hear the stories for the first time just like our audience. And now that's how we do it.

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In terms of editing, we never edit anything out that changes the story. But because we're interviewing people who aren't professional story tellers, sometimes we have to rearrange bits of the narrative so they're in chronological order.

Do you still hate Marge vs. the Monorail? :P

I don't remember saying that I "hated it." If I did then I don't feel that strongly about it now. Maybe because Conan O'Brien sang the Monorail song live when we were at the Hollywood Bowl 4 years ago and he was magnificent.

Hi Yeardley!

Have you ever been in a situation where your very distinguishing voice worked against you?

I'm sure it has, but as I said earlier people usually make up some other excuse as to why you didn't get the job.

Hi Yeardley! Big fan of yours from Asia. Four years ago I was going to LA for the first time in my life and I sent an email to Marchez Vous, your old shoe business, asking if I could meet you. I acknowledged in the email that it was a odd request and I was completely expecting to be denied and have the door shut on me. This is what I sent:

Hi,

I'm an international student from Macau currently living in San Francisco and tomorrow I will be going to Los Angeles for the first time in my life. I know this is a bit of a strange request, but is there any way I can drop by the Marchez Vous offices and meet Yeardley? I have been truly touched by her performances as Lisa Simpson over the years and I credit the endless hours of watching The Simpsons as reason why I am fluent in English now. Meeting Yeardley would mean the world to me.

Like I said previously, I know this email may come off as odd. But as I have read in Yeardley's interviews, her life motto is "Screw it, let's do it!" so I thought it'd be worth a try.

All my best, GoodSamaritan_

What I didn't expect though was that your business partner, Ben, replied back saying that he'd forwarded my email to the company's legal team. I thought that it was a bit much, and it really put me off. His exact words were "I’m sure there is no nefarious context to your inquiry, note that this e-mail has been forwarded to our legal team."

As proof, here is a screenshot of the emails: https://i.imgur.com/Fv9jXVY.png

I'm still a fan of yours and always will be, but I think a simple "no" could have really sufficed.

I'm sorry you were put off. I'm sure Ben was being protective. I appreciate you being a fan.