Celebrities flocking to 'The Simpsons'

LOS ANGELES, July 24 (UPI) -- With the 18th season of the hit U.S. TV series "The Simpsons" set to begin later this year, Fox has revealed the new season's celebrity guests.

E! Online said the impressive list of celebrities includes actress Natalie Portman and "24" star Kiefer Sutherland, among others prepared to lend their voices to the long-running animated series.

Joining Sutherland and the "V for Vendetta" actress for the comedy's new season will be comic actors Jon Lovitz and Eric Idle, the alternative band the White Stripes and TV psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw.

The celebrity onslaught will begin in the new season premiere on Sept. 10, when actor Joe Mantegna reprises his role on the show as Springfield mafia boss Fat Tony, E! said.

While a guest visit on the animated series has long been thought of as recognition of one's celebrity status, former "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer was rewarded for his role as Sideshow Bob on the show with a recent Emmy nomination for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, the Web site said.