From Oscar winners to rock legends, celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons have become a cornerstone of the show’s iconic legacy. The Simpsons has built its reputation not only on yellow cartoon characters but also on unforgettable celebrity appearances. Some celebrities voice parodied versions of themselves, while others fully committed to original characters. Either way, these performances became standout moments in animation history.
Here are 10 of the best celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons that made fans say “D’oh!” in the best way possible.
10. Elizabeth Taylor (as Maggie Simpson)
In a brief moment, screen legend Elizabeth Taylor became one of the most surprising celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons by voicing Maggie Simpson’s very first word: “Daddy.” Though it’s just one word, it’s packed with emotion and symbolic weight, especially since it’s the only time Maggie has spoken in the show’s canon.
Episode: “Lisa’s First Word” (Season 4)
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9. Ricky Gervais (as Charles Heathbar)
British comedian Ricky Gervais made his mark as one of the more unique celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons by both voicing a character and writing the episode. He plays Charles, a sensitive man who swaps wives with Homer during a reality show experiment. His distinct comedic style fits surprisingly well in Springfield.
Episode: “Home Simpson, This Is Your Wife” (Season 17)
8. Dustin Hoffman (as Mr. Bergstrom)
Among the more heartfelt celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons, Dustin Hoffman (credited as Sam Etic) plays Mr. Bergstrom, a substitute teacher who nurtures Lisa’s intelligence. Their emotional bond ends with the iconic moment: “You are Lisa Simpson.” It’s a rare moment of warmth and vulnerability in early Simpsons history.
Episode: “Lisa’s Substitute” (Season 2)
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7. Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill proves that even the most galactic icons can be hilarious celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons. Playing himself as a sci-fi dinner-theater actor starring in Guys and Dolls as Luke Skywalker, Hamill pokes fun at his legacy with lines like “Use the forks!” It’s goofy and totally classic.
Episode: “Mayored to the Mob” (Season 10)
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6. Johnny Cash (as the Space Coyote)
In one of the most surreal appearances by any celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons, Johnny Cash voices a spiritual coyote guiding Homer through a hallucinogenic journey. The country music legend delivers a serene, almost mystical performance that adds depth to Homer’s existential crisis.
Episode: “El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer” (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer) (Season 8)
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5. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga ranks among the most visually memorable celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons. She plays a glam version of herself who arrives in Springfield via train with multiple costume changes to help boost Lisa’s self-esteem. Gaga sings and floats with Lisa in a dazzling episode.
Episode: “Lisa Goes Gaga” (Season 23)
4. Meryl Streep (as Jessica Lovejoy)
As one of the most dramatic celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons, Streep voices Jessica Lovejoy, the seemingly angelic daughter of Reverend Lovejoy, who turns out to be even more mischievous than Bart. Her performance is layered with an innocent and flirtatious persona, but has a devilish undertone that keeps Bart (and the audience) guessing.
Episode: “Bart’s Girlfriend” (Season 6)
3. Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy made multiple appearances as one of the most notable celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons. Whether narrating the launch of Springfield’s doomed monorail or guiding Mulder and Scully through a paranormal Springfield mystery, Nimoy leans fully into his Star Trek legacy with dry wit and self-awareness.
Episodes: “Marge vs. the Monorail” (Season 4), “The Springfield Files” (Season 8)
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2. Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney earns a spot on any list of iconic celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons. Alongside his late wife, Linda, McCartney plays himself and offers Lisa advice about being true to her vegetarian beliefs. The scene is gentle and funny, and McCartney even drops a Beatles Easter egg: if you play “Maybe I’m Amazed” backward, it includes a lentil soup recipe.
Episode: “Lisa the Vegetarian” (Season 7)
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1. Michael Jackson (as Leon Kompowsky)
Topping the list of unforgettable celebrity guest stars on The Simpsons is Michael Jackson, voicing a gentle man in a psychiatric hospital who believes he’s the King of Pop. Though he went uncredited due to contractual restrictions, Jackson’s appearance is legendary, especially in the heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday Lisa.”
Episode: “Stark Raving Dad” (Season 3)
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