A staple of The Simpsons multiple decade reign on top of the animated prime-time world has been it's judicious use of celebrities in guest roles/voices.  Most episodes, whether you realize it or not, features a well-known celebrity, be it one line or an important role through out the episode.  Celebrities have played themselves and original characters, and The Simpsons is such a beloved institution that no one ever seems to turn down an opportunity to go yellow. 

TVGuide has the scoop on which famous stars The Simpsons have brought in for episodes of the show's upcoming 19th season, which will premiere on September 23rd..  Here's TVGuide's list:

In the season-opener, Lionel Richie as himself and Stephen Colbert as Homer's life coach.

Steve Buscemi as a bank robber who forms a "connection" with hostage Marge (Sept. 30).

Jack Black as the owner of Coolsville, a new rival comic-books emporium in town (Oct. 7).

Later in the season, it's a Frasier reunion as Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce and John Mahoney voice Sideshow Bob, brother Cecil and their dad.

Other big names set to appear at some point in the season include Jon Stewart, Matt Dillon, Maya Rudolph, Dan Rather, Placido Domingo, Kurt Loder, Weird Al Yankovic, Beverly D'Angelo and Topher Grace.

Of the upcoming appearance mentioned above, I'm most excited about the return of Sideshow Bob.  Bringing back the entire Frasier crew is gimmicky, but as long as Grammar and Bob come back, I'm happy.  I also like the Jack Black as a rival comic book store owner, because that means we'll get an episode featuring Comic Book Guy, who's one of my favorites.  And, of course, you can't go wrong with Stephen Colbert as Homer's life coach.  That just sounds perfect. 

The Simpsons Movie opens this Friday.  The nineteenth season premiere is September 23rd.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Source: TVGuide)
(Image Courtesy of FOX)