The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has spoken out on the show’s decision to recast the non-white roles, following accusations of racial stereotyping in recent years.
It was announced on Tuesday 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 Hibbert, voiced by white actor Harry Shearer, has been replaced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson.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 problem with white actors playing non-white characters in The Simpsons, he accepts that times have changed since the show launched in 1989.
Speaking: Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, has spoken out on the show’s decision to recast its non-white roles, following allegations of racial stereotyping (photo 2014)
In a rare interview with BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, Matt said, “I love it, times are changing, but I actually had no problem with the way we did it. All our actors play dozens of characters each, it was never designed to exclude anyone. ‘
When asked if he believes the controversy has raised awareness of the need for more diversity in writers ‘rooms, he said:’ I absolutely agree. And we try to make it better.
“Intolerance and racism are still an incredible problem and it is good to finally go for more equality and representation.”
Casting change: It was announced on Tuesday that Dr. Hibbert’s character, voiced by white actor Harry Shearer, has been replaced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson
The show’s response in 2018 was subject to widespread criticism, when Lisa Simpson appeared to look into the camera in an episode, saying, ‘Something that started decades ago and was hailed and harmless is now politically incorrect.
‘What can you do?’
After the backlash, The Simpsons announced it would re-cast its non-white roles.
From old to new: the role was previously voiced by Harry (left) and is now voiced by Kevin (right)
Asked if he regrets how they handled it, Matt said, “At some point, it doesn’t matter what you say. You are being attacked by anyone, you know? Honestly, that doesn’t affect me at all.
“We don’t do everything we can to comfort bigots. On the other hand, if you make a gesture and people see a weakness, you will be criticized. ‘
It comes after it was reported that the longest-running animated series in television history is joining the list of titles making more racially sensitive casting decisions.
Moving forward: veteran actor Harry has given his voice to Hibbert’s character since the second season of The Simpsons in 1990
The Wrap State Hibbert will now be voiced by black actor Kevin, 56, who has previously provided vocals for several roles on the show, along with Family Guy, American Dad! and countless other titles.
Harry, 77, meanwhile will continue to voice his many other characters on The Simpsons, including Mr Burns and Smithers, Ned Flanders and Kent Brockman.
A statement from 20th Century Fox said, “ In last night’s episode of DiaryQueen, Harry Shearer was the voice of Dr. Hibbert for the last time …
In next Sunday’s episode of Wad Goals, Kevin Michael Richardson will be the voice of Dr. Say Hibbert – and from then on he will pronounce the character. ‘
Veteran actor Harry has provided his voice to Hibbert’s character since the second season of The Simpsons in 1990, while Kevin has played several roles on the show since 2009.
In 2013, Kevin was asked if he ever feels like he is being typified for his voice, to which he said, “ Sometimes, from what I’ve done, people want similar sounds regarding those characters. What I admire are people casting me for reach …
Changing Role: Hank Azaria made the decision to stop voicing Apu’s Indian-American character in The Simpsons, who last played the role in 2017
Knowing that I can do highs and lows and things like that, like when I was Cleveland Jr. and Barney Rubble was, that’s pretty cool. It is nice not to be in a specific area. It’s nice to know that people know what I can do. ‘
The move to replace Harry echoes several other similar decisions from the past year, especially in light of renewed attention to racial prejudice and white privilege thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Last July, Kristen Bell retired from playing the role of Molly on the Apple TV + animated series Central Park, also due to concerns over representation.
Bell announced via social media that she was no longer voicing the character, with a candid and forthright statement on her Instagram.
“ Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the mixed race specificity and Black American experience, ” she wrote at the time.
This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Here’s one of mine. Playing the character Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my ubiquitous privilege, ‘she also said.
Starring role: Harry, 77, meanwhile, will continue voicing his many other characters in The Simpsons, including Mr Burns and Smithers, Ned Flanders and Kent Brockman
Last summer, Family Guy’s Mike Henry announced that he was stepping down from voicing the black character Cleveland Brown.
Elsewhere, Hank Azaria made the decision to stop voicing Apu’s Indian-American character in The Simpsons, who last played the role in 2017.
The casting comes after Fox made a brief statement on the matter last June: “Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voicing non-white characters.”
Achieved Voice Actor: Kevin, 56, has played several roles on The Simpsons since 2009, along with numerous other titles; seen in 2019