LOCAL NEWS:

Local Unemployment Down Sharply In April

KEYWORD:

A   A   A

Posted: Monday, 03 December 2012 4:52AM

'Family Guy' MacFarlane adds his voice to 'Simpsons' gig



LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Seth MacFarlane may already have three hit animated television shows, one hit raunchy comedy movie and the coveted Oscars hosting job for next year, but the comedian is adding another notch on his resume: guest voicing on "The Simpsons."

"Family Guy" creator MacFarlane will appear in the season premiere of the 25th season of "The Simpsons" in 2013, Fox Television, home to both shows, said on Friday.

MacFarlane will play a married man who pursues matriarch Marge Simpson after the two meet on a website and form a bond over their love of a "Downton Abbey-esque" show called "Upton Rectory," show producer Al Jean told Entertainment Weekly.

The episode, entitled "Dangers on a Train," will air in fall 2013.

MacFarlane's guest spot is a crossover for the actor, writer and director, who was inspired by "The Simpsons" when creating "Family Guy," an animated comedy following the dysfunctional Griffin family headed by dim-witted patriarch Peter, who bears similarities to Homer Simpson.

Both shows air on Fox, and the news comes after MacFarlane featured Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, in a recent "Family Guy" episode.

MacFarlane, 39, also created and voices characters for animated comedies "American Dad" and "The Cleveland Show," and he had a box-office hit with R-rated comedy "Ted" this past summer.

He will be hosting the Oscars in February.

"The Simpsons" first aired in 1989 and is now the longest-running U.S. sitcom in history and is broadcast in more than 100 countries.

The show has seen a diverse range of guest stars across all spectrums of pop culture including Bill Clinton, Buzz Aldrin, Tony Blair, Julian Assange and Lady Gaga.

Story & Photos Copyright 2012 Reuters

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' finale with tornado storyline


CBS said that it will delay airing the season finale of "Mike & Molly."

Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio join U.S. 'X Factor' judges panel


Kelly Rowland has signed onto "The X Factor" judging panel.

'Star Wars' to bring 'Rebels' to new animated TV series


Disney said it will produce a new "Star Wars" animated series.

Sinbad files for bankruptcy - again


Sinbad has declared himself bankrupt with more than $10 million in debts.

Jennifer Lawrence stalker faces charges


An overzealous Jennifer Lawrence fan has been jailed.

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards


Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes at the Billboard Music Awards.

Beyonce is pregnant with second child: report


Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are indeed expecting, according to reports.

Troubled 'Terminator' star arrested again


Edward Furlong has been arrested again after allegedly breaking a restraining order.

Soul singer Candice Glover wins 'American Idol'


Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina, was named "American Idol."

Steve Carell helps 'The Office' close its doors


The doors of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch closed for the last time.

Sony to make 'Angry Birds' movie in 3D


The popular video game "Angry Birds" is jumping off smart phones and onto the big screen.

Shakira will leave NBC's 'The Voice' after season


Shakira will leave NBC's "The Voice" after only one season as a judge.

Country, soul singers battle in all-female 'American Idol' finale


Candice Glover vied with Kree Harrison in an all-female finale of "American Idol."

Christina Aguilera to return to 'The Voice?'


Christina Aguilera is in discussions to return as a judge on "The Voice."

Bill Hader to leave NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'


"Saturday Night Live" star Bill Hader will be leaving the show.