Simpsons Cast Seals Deal With Fox

The Simpsons voice actors have sealed a four-year deal that hands them more money and solidifies the animated hit's 20th season.Production on the show has been delayed for several months as voice actors and 20th Century Fox TV hammered out a deal. New pact bumps the stars' salaries up to about $400,000 an episode; they previously made somewhere in the mid-$300,000 range. The deal, firmed up over the weekend, means most of the key cast members will be back to work and attending the show's first table read of the season this morning.Harry Shearer is still working out elements of his deal, but a firm pact is expected shortly. As part of his deal, Castellaneta has been named consulting producer on the series. He'll now serve as a writer in addition to continuing as a voice performer.