Simpsons Star's Near-Death Escape Revealed

Yeardley Smith, the voice behind Lisa Simpson, shared a remarkable story of survival, crediting "The Simpsons" for saving her life. Ten years ago, she suffered a severe neck fracture, separating her C5 and C6 spinal levels. The show's comprehensive health insurance and the financial stability it provided allowed Smith the essential time off needed for a full year of recovery.

As "The Simpsons" reaches an impressive 800 episodes, its longevity continues to offer significant benefits to its cast. Nancy Cartwright, Bart Simpson's voice, also highlighted the show's role in enabling her to pursue personal projects and charitable endeavors. The series is now focusing on revitalizing its storytelling, with a second movie officially in development after a two-decade gap since the first.

Recent seasons have seen experimentation with diverse narrative styles and character backstories. Executive producer Matt Selman noted the show's "elastic" continuity allows for creative freedom, enabling "The Simpsons" to comment on contemporary society. Upcoming episodes will feature a "National Treasure"-style adventure and an empathetic exploration of mental health, showcasing the show's evolving yet consistent spirit. The series' enduring popularity is further amplified by its availability on Disney+ and recent ventures into gaming and live sports simulcasts.