Simpsons creator Matt Groening has spoken out about the program’s decision to recast its non-white roles, following allegations of racial stereotypes in recent years.
On Tuesday it was announced that the character of Dr. Hibbert, voiced by white actor Harry Shearer, has been replaced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson.
Cartoonist Matt, 67, said that while he had no problems with white actors playing non-white characters in The Simpsons, he accepts that time has changed since the show began in 1989.
Aloud: Simpsons creator Matt Groening has spoken out about the program’s decision to recast its non-white roles, following allegations of racial stereotypes (pictured 2014)
In a rare interview with BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, Matt said: “I think it’s great, times change, but I really had no problem with the way we do it. All of our actors play dozens of characters each, it was never designed to exclude anyone. “
Asked if he believes the controversy raised awareness of the need for more diversity in writers ’rooms, he said:” I absolutely agree with that. And we try to make it better.
“Fanaticism and racism continue to be an incredible issue and it’s good to finally go for more equality and representation.”
Casting change: On Tuesday it was announced that the character of Dr. Hibbert, voiced by white actor Harry Shearer, has been replaced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson
The show’s response in 2018 was the subject of much criticism, when, in one episode, Lisa Simpson appeared looking at the camera and saying, “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and harmless is now politically incorrect.
‘What can you do?’
Following the reaction, The Simpsons announced that it would re-screen its non-white roles.
From old to new: the role had previously been voiced by Harry (left), and will now be played by Kevin (right)
Asked if he regrets how they handled it, Matt said, “At some point, it doesn’t matter what you say. Who will be attacked by anyone, you know? Honestly, that doesn’t affect me at all.
“We will not get out of our way to comfort the fans. On the other hand, if you make any kind of gesture and people perceive a weakness, you will be criticized.”
It comes after it was reported that the longest-running animated series in television history joins the list of titles that make the most race-sensitive casting decisions.
Advance: Veteran actor Harry has given his voice to Hibbert’s character since the second season of The Simpsons in 1990
Wrap State, Hibbert, will now have the voice of black actor Kevin, 56, who has been vocal for several roles on the show before, along with Family Guy, American Dad! and countless more titles.
Meanwhile, 77-year-old Harry will continue to express his many other characters in The Simpsons, including Mr Burns and Smithers, Ned Flanders and Kent Brockman.
A 20th Century Fox statement said: “Last night’s episode of DiaryQueen included Harry Shearer as the voice of Dr. Hibbert for the last time …
“Next Sunday’s Wad Goals episode will have Kevin Michael Richardson voice Dr. Hibbert, and from there, he’ll give voice to the character.”
Veteran actor Harry has provided his voice to the character of Hibbert since the second season of The Simpsons in 1990, while Kevin has been playing various roles on the show since 2009.
In 2013, Kevin was asked if he ever felt typewritten by his voice, to which he said, “Sometimes, from what I’ve done, people want similar sounds in relation to these characters. What I admire are the people who make me choose …
Change of role: Hank Azaria made the decision to stop making Apu’s American character heard in The Simpsons, the last one to play the role in 2017
Knowing I can do highs and lows and things like that, like when I was Cleveland Jr. and Barney Rubble, it’s pretty cool. Not being established in a specific area is good. It’s nice to know that people are aware of what I can do.
The decision to replace Harry reflects several other similar decisions from last year, especially in light of the renewed focus on racial biases and white privileges thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Last July, Kristen Bell stopped playing the role of Molly in the Apple TV + Central Park animated series, also due to concerns about the performance.
Bell announced through social media that he stopped giving voice to the character, with a frank and sincere statement on his Instagram.
“Throwing a mixed-race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and the experience of black Americans,” she wrote at the time.
‘It is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Here is one. Playing Molly’s character in Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my ubiquitous privilege, ”he also said.
Starring: Harry, 77, meanwhile will continue to express his many other characters in The Simpsons, including Mr Burns and Smithers, Ned Flanders and Kent Brockman
Also last summer, Mike Guy of Family Guy announced that he was no longer voicing the black character Cleveland Brown.
Elsewhere, Hank Azaria made the decision to stop giving voice to the American-American character from Apu to the Simpsons, who last played the role in 2017.
The casting decision comes after Fox made a brief statement on the matter last June: “Going forward, the Simpsons will no longer have white actors voicing non-white characters.”
Achieved voice performer: Kevin, 56, has been playing various roles in The Simpsons since 2009, along with countless titles; seen in 2019