The voice of numerous characters on the series shares his thoughts on the decision to replace him as the voice of Dr. Julius Hibbert, a character of color.
- May 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - In an interview with The Times of London, Harry Shearer expressed mixed feelings about the recasting. He said that the decision had "affected" the show and that he questioned the performance of the new voice actor, Kevin Michael Richardson, who he claimed was imitating his original portrayal. Shearer revealed that he based Dr. Hibbert's voice on Bill Cosby, known at the time as the "whitest Black man on television." He also noted that he was initially unsure about joining "The Simpsons" because voice actors typically receive scripts after the animation is completed.
Prior to the announcement in 2020 that white actors would no longer voice characters of color, the show had faced criticism for casting Hank Azaria as the Indian store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. Azaria stepped away from the role and admitted that it had contributed to "a dehumanizing stereotype." Alex Desert now voices Homer Simpson's friend Carl Carlson, another non-white character previously voiced by a white actor.
Shearer also shared his inspiration for other characters he voices on "The Simpsons", including Mr. Burns (Ronald Reagan) and Ned Flanders (a combination of his own father and actor Bob Newhart). The animated series is currently wrapping up its 35th season and has been renewed for a 36th.
