Harry Shearer is the latest original Simpsons cast member to retire a role. The February 21 episode of Fox’s long animated series featured the actor’s latest vocal performance as Dr. Julius Hibbert, one of the show’s most prominent black characters. But Springfield citizens will still be able to visit the good doctor for his dubious medical advice – and lots of lollipops. As originally reported by Vulture, Dr. Hibbert will be voiced by veteran voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson, starting with the February 28 episode. Richardson gave voice to several minor characters in The Simpsons since 2009, and his other credits include Teen Titans Go! and Family man, as well as the next series Invincible and Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
It’s the last cast change since The Simpsons the producers announced over the summer that the white actors would no longer be giving a voice to the various colored characters that populated Springfield. Hank Azaria was the first to step aside, retiring from the role of Indian convenience store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, followed by Homer’s co-worker Black and friend Carl Carlson. (Carl is voiced by Alex Désert; Apu has not yet been reformulated, but Simpsons creator Matt Groening said the character will remain on the show.) More recently, Jenny Yokobori replaced Tress MacNeille as Kumiko Albertson, the Japanese manga fan married to the ultracinic Comic Book Guy.
In a conversation with Yahoo Entertainment last year, Azaria’s co-star, Yeardley Smith, discussed her decision to retire from Apu’s voice – a choice that preceded the change of producers to reshape all of the show’s color characters. “I know he took the decision very seriously and he really wanted to end up on the right side of the discussion and do something that he personally could live with and be proud of,” she noted. “We all really love Apu, and we didn’t mean to do any harm, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t do any harm.”
Shearer initially had a different view The Simpsons casting agitation. During an interview with Times Radio in the UK in August, the star of This is Spinal Tap said: “I have a very simple belief about acting. The actor’s job is to play someone he is not. This is the show. This is the job description. I think there is a conflict between acting, which is important. all origins must be represented in the writing and production of the business, so that they help decide which stories to tell and with what knowledge. The job is to interpret someone I am not. “
Shearer – who still gives voice to popular characters like Kent Brockman, Ned Flanders and Mr. Burns – has yet to comment on the cast change, but many Twitter fans are applauding the news. On the other hand, some are still struggling to adjust to Springfield’s new, more diverse reality.
It matters. Representation is important. The move is long overdue and welcome.
– Kelly Lee Williams – KELLYGRAMS (@KellyLWilliams) February 22, 2021
Does this mean that Bart now needs to be voiced by a real child and not an adult woman?
– James (@JamesNC_) February 22, 2021
Kevin Michael Richardson is a great voice actor
– Maria Emma (@ mariaemma16) February 22, 2021
even the Simpsons have fallen into the politically correct, the world has ended
– Guillermo Paredes (@guillermoparede) February 22, 2021
This is pretty cool, I just hope Richardson brings those iconic lines that Shearer bought for the role. All the best, Kevin, I’m excited.
– Connor #ZackSnydersJusticeLeague (@ connor4real1) February 22, 2021
Grow new people. Smh lol
Also, Kevin Michael Richardson is a fantastic choice, one of my favorite voice actors– Austin Bitikofer (@BitikoferAustin) February 22, 2021
The Simpsons airs on Sundays at 8 pm on Fox.
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