‘The Simpson’s’ Creator Says He Was Fine With White Actors Voicing Non-White Characters

‘The Simpson’s’ Creator Says He Was Fine With White Actors Voicing Non-White Characters

Several animated shows have seen quite a few shakeups over the past year as white actors bow out voicing non-black characters.

The Simpsons is one of those shows that saw a couple of changes. Most recently, Harry Shearer, who voiced Dr. Julius Hibbert, was officially replaced by Kevin Michael Richardson after taking on the role more than 30 years ago.

The show’s creator Matt Groening said recently,

“Times change, but I actually didn’t have a problem with the way we were doing it. All of our actors play dozens of characters each; it was never designed to exclude anyone.”

The Simpsons’ Dr. Julius, Harry Shearer, Kevin Michael Richardson

The series previously received backlash after viewers challenged Hank Azaria voicing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. 

In what appeared to be a response to it, Lisa Simpson declared in one episode:

“Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”

Matt Groening added,

“At a certain point, it doesn’t matter what you say. You’re going to be attacked by whoever, you know? We’re not going out of our way to comfort bigots. On the other hand, if you do any kind of gesture and people perceive a weakness, you’ll be criticized.”

He concluded,

“We’re trying to make it better. Bigotry and racism are still an incredible problem and it’s good to finally go for more equality and representation.”

Do you agree with Matt Groening? Comment and let us know.