Harry Shearer (December 23, 1943 – present) is an actor, comedian, writer, director and musican. Even at a young age, Shearer was in show business, portraying Wally Cleaver’s best friend on the pilot of Leave It to Beaver, as well as many other small roles. In college, Shearer became the editor of the school humor magazine and worked at a local radio station. In 1979 he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. He did not enjoy his time there, and left after a year. After leaving he started work on a film called This Is Spinal Tap, in which he co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in. He joined the cast of The Simpsons early in it’s run, portraying Ned, Mr. Burns, Skinner, Smithers, Lenny, Reverend Lovejoy, Kent Brockman, and many other voices.