Biography
Harry Julius Shearer, born December 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, is a multifaceted American artist known for his work as an actor, comedian, musician, radio host, writer, and producer. The only child of Eastern European immigrants who survived the Holocaust, Shearer began his career as a child actor, appearing in films such as 'Abbott and Costello Go to Mars' (1953) and 'The Robe' (1953), as well as on 'The Jack Benny Program.'
Shearer’s career flourished in the late 1960s and 1970s as a member of The Credibility Gap, a radio comedy group that included Michael McKean. He later became a writer and performer on 'Saturday Night Live' and co-wrote the film 'Real Life' (1979) with Albert Brooks. Shearer achieved cult status as Derek Smalls, the bassist in the mockumentary 'This Is Spinal Tap' (1984), and continued to collaborate with McKean and Christopher Guest on musical comedy projects. Since 1983, he has hosted 'Le Show,' a public radio program blending satire, music, and sketch comedy. Shearer is perhaps most widely recognized for voicing 21 characters on 'The Simpsons,' including Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, and Principal Skinner, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014.
Shearer’s musical style is rooted in satire and parody, often blending spoken word, comedy, and rock. His legacy spans decades of influential work in comedy, television, and music, making him a pivotal figure in American entertainment.
Fun Facts
- Shearer voices 21 characters on 'The Simpsons,' the widest range of any cast member, including Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, and Principal Skinner.
- He was the last main cast member of 'The Simpsons' to win an Emmy for his work, finally receiving it in 2014.
- Shearer’s parents were each the sole surviving members of their families to escape the Holocaust.
- He is married to singer-songwriter Judith Owen and has released several musical comedy albums.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jack Benny - Early inspiration and exposure to comedy through appearances on 'The Jack Benny Program' as a child actor. (The Jack Benny Program) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Michael McKean - Bandmate in The Credibility Gap and co-star in 'This Is Spinal Tap' and related musical projects. (The Credibility Gap, This Is Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap albums) [1969–present]
- Christopher Guest - Frequent collaborator in musical mockumentaries and comedy projects. (This Is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind) [1984–present]
- Albert Brooks - Co-writer on the film 'Real Life.' (Real Life) [1979]
Artists Influenced
- Modern musical comedians and satirists - Influenced a generation of musical parody artists and comedic performers through his work in Spinal Tap and The Simpsons. (Spinal Tap, The Simpsons) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Many Moods of Donald Trump | 2020-10-30 | Album |
| Can't Take a Hint | 2012-08-27 | Album |
| Can't Take a Hint (Bonus Version) | 2012-08-27 | Album |
| Greed and Fear | 2010-03-02 | Album |
| Songs Of The Bushmen | 2008-07-14 | Album |
| Songs Pointed and Pointless | 2007-08-07 | Album |
| Dropping Anchors | 2006-03-21 | Album |
| The Bronze Age Of Radio | 1977-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Autumn in New Orleans (feat. Dr. John and Nicholas Payton) (Can't Take a Hint)
- A Few Bad Apples (feat. Jamie Cullum) (Can't Take a Hint)
- Corn Wine (Songs Pointed and Pointless)
- A Fine Romance (Let's Face The Music And Dance)
- How Very Like Sweet Anne - feat. Kevin Griffin, Harry Shearer, Arséne DeLay, Barbara Davis, Tara Brewer & John Rankin (Nine Lives - a Musical Story of New Orleans (The Complete Set))
- The King of Mardi Gras - feat. Harry Shearer, Barbara Davis & Kevin Griffin (Nine Lives - a Musical Story of New Orleans (The Complete Set))
- Celebrity Booze Endorser (feat. Fountains of Wayne) (Can't Take a Hint)
- Macondo (feat. Rob Brydon) (Can't Take a Hint)
- Trillion Dollar Bargain (feat. Alice Russell and Tommy Malone) (Can't Take a Hint)
- Deaf Boys (Can't Take a Hint)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Harry Shearer has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 16:45 | Im Giving Myself A Huge Ballroom For Christmas | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 18:14 | Autumn In New Orleansfrom Cant Take a Hint | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ T.R. Johnson |