MCBAIN: SPRINGFIELD’S ACTION HERO!

Harry Shearer, a Los Angeles native, gained national recognition as one of the creators and stars of This Is Spinal Tap, where he portrayed heavy metalist Derek Smalls in the mock rockumentary. Years later Shearer continues to make us laugh each week as a regular vocal cast member of FOX TV’s The Simpsons! Not only does Harry lend his voice to many of the top Simpsons characters such as Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Smithers and Pricipal Skinner to name a few, but he also is Springfield’s toughest, Humvee-driving, cigar-chomping Austrian film-star - McBain!

The ARNOLD FAN recently traveled to Springfield and after we had a few "Duffs" at Moe’s Tavern, we headed over to the nearest Gym to achieve “the pump.” To our surprise and great delight, we ran into Rainier Wolfcastle, better known by his screen name - McBain! After he curled a few dumb-bells and finishing off his Apple-core Powerbar we asked if he would like to sit down for an interview with us. Accepting on the one condition that we not interfere with his workout, we got our chance.

McBain, grunting as he benched, wasn’t much for words so we decided to interview the guy “spotting him.” Harry Shearer was his name.

The ARNOLD FAN: As the new season of The Simpsons has just begun, what can we expect of McBain - that you remember while you voiced his dialogue in the FOX sound studios? More Radioactive man, Arnold spoofs, etc?

Harry Shearer: To tell you the truth, recording the shows happens so long before they finally air that I lose all memory of them. That makes it bad for interviews, but it means that when I see the shows on the air, it's almost as full of surprises as when you see them.

TAF: Who is the big Arnold fan who pitched the idea of a Schwarzenegger-based character in the Simpsons know as Rainier "McBain" Wolfcastle? You, Matt Groening, writers?

H.S.: Shearer, to modest to take credit, tells us of his lack of involvement. “One of more of the writers. Not me,” summarized Shearer with uncertainty of the proper credit.

TAF: Rainier Wolfcastle sometimes portrays the way a vulnerable Arnold would be off-camera. In one classic episode, a sad Rainier says "Maria, I'll be in da Humvee" after Chief Wiggums' badgering of "Magic ticket, my ass Mcbain." The real Arnold has the greatest sense of humor even at his own expense. Have you ever heard from "the man" himself or his people on the Mcbain character?

H.S.: I have not. Actually, you're the first person to contact me specifically about McBain/Wolfcastle.

TAF: I bought the new Radioactive Man and Fallout Boy Simpsons Playset. At this time do you know if other Rainier Wolfcastle toys with your voice will be produced (unlike the unfortunate cancelled McBain Aztec Theater playset). Also, do you get royalties for the use of your voice with these toys?

H.S.: They don't let me in on their plans for future (or sometimes even present) toys, so we can only wait and see. If my voice is newly recorded, I get some money from the toys. If they use tracks from the TV show, I think I get pennies.


TAF: ONE last question Mr. Shearer; what do you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger?

H.S.: Arnold? A very lucky fellow.

Indeed Arnold is. It appeared Mr. Shearer has some appreciation for The Austrian Oak and knows who is the real bad-ass between the yellow-colored McBain and the bronze-colored Schwarzenegger. Arnold may be the biggest action hero to ever walk Hollywood but Shearer rules Springfield! The ARNOLD FAN Thanks Harry Shearer for taking the time to talk to us and to share with Simpsons and Arnold fans alike.

Harry Shearer was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live for two seasons and his film work includes Oscar, The Fisher King, Pure Luck and Wayne's World II.


Shearer is currently at work writing an upcoming movie for Showtime entitled Saturday Night Dead, which he will direct next year. Harry is also developing a new computer animated series for HBO. For more information on Harry, check his official website at Harryshearer.com.

----------
Randy Jennings