A Fox executive confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday that even if the actors who voice the animated series took a pay cut, it still wouldn't make it profitable -- so the current 23rd season will likely be the last. It was reported on Monday that the actors were facing a 45% cut from their $440,000-an-episode checks, earning them approximately $4 million a season. They then countered with a 30% cut, but still retaining profits from the show's DVD and merchandize sales. If no deal can be reached by Friday, this season will be the last for "The Simpsons." "'The Simpsons' is as creatively vibrant as ever and beloved by millions around the world," Fox said in a statement on Monday. "We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model." The actors being asked to take cuts voice the show's major characters: Dan Castellaneta (Homer, Grampa Simpson, Krusty the Clown, and others), Julie Kavner (Marge and others), Nancy Cartwright (Bart and others), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Hank Azaria (Moe, Chief Wiggum and Apu), and Harry Shearer (the voice of Mr. Burns, Principal Skinner, and Ned Flanders, among others). ____________________________________________ Even in these hard economical times, The Simpsons shouldn't be cancelled! Sign this petition and boycott FOX until they regret it!