Longtime 'Simpsons' Composer Alf Clausen Exits Show

Clausen served on the show for 27 years and earned over 20 Emmy nominations for his work.

Alf Clausen, who has served as composer on Fox's long-running hit The Simpsons for the past 27 years, has exited the show.

“We tremendously value Alf Clausen's contributions to the Simpsons and he will continue to have an ongoing role in the show," the show's producers said in a statement Thursday. "We remain committed to the finest in music for the Simpsons, absolutely including orchestral. This is the part where we would make a joke but neither Alf's work nor the music of the Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us.”

Over his nearly three decades working on the show, Clausen racked up over 20 Emmy nominations, with two wins on the show in 1997 and 1998 for outstanding composition.

"I appreciated the terrific work he's done over a number of years," showrunner Al Jean told The Hollywood Reporter Wednesday.

The Simpsons' iconic opening theme was not written by Clausen, but by Oscar nominee Danny Elfman. The theme is expected to continue to be used for the upcoming season.

Fox declined to comment on Clausen's dismissal.

Aug. 31, 11:05 a.m.: Updated with producers' statement.