Ted Cruz auditions for ‘The Simpsons’: ‘He’s not getting the part,’ says producer

Sen. Ted Cruz has his eyes on one of the most important jobs in the country: replacing Harry Shearer on “The Simpsons.�

In a video for Buzzfeed released Tuesday, Cruz -- who, not coincidentally, is also running for president -- showed off his impressions of characters including Lisa and Homer Simpson, Kang, Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders (the latter two formerly voiced by Shearer).

Cruz, a Republican, wrapped up with a self-deprecating jab: “I have been told many times I have a face for radio and I have a face for animation.�

It was perhaps a surprising turn by Cruz, a politician whose sense of humor has been questioned in at least one media report.

“To, I think, the slight discomfort of his staff, [Cruz] loves to do impressions,� said Buzzfeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith. He explained that political video producer Emily Anderson pitched the idea for the “audition tape� to Cruz, who quickly agreed.

“He thought it was a wonderful idea,� said campaign spokesman Rick Tyler, who described his boss as a “lifelong ‘Simpsons’ fan.�

“He’s a little bit corny sometimes,� added Tyler, “but he’s funny.�

Cruz wouldn’t be the first politician to appear on “The Simpsons.� Tony Blair and Rudy Giuliani have both starred as themselves on the long-running animated show.

So how does Cruz poll with the constituency that matters the most? Alas, not that well.

“He didn’t ask permission, we don’t endorse a specific candidate and probably most disappointing for him he’s not getting the part,� said Al Jean, executive producer of “The Simpsons� in a statement to The Times.

Sorry, Ted. There’s always the Senate.

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For the record

July 1, 10:20 a.m.: A previous version of this post said the Ted Cruz video was released Wednesday. It was released Tuesday.

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