Simpsons creator Matt Groening talks about reviewing his non-white roles

The creator of the Simpsons, Matt Groening, spoke out about the decision to review the non-white roles, following allegations of racial stereotyping in recent years.

On Tuesday it was announced that the character of dr. Hibbert, voiced by white actor Harry Shearer, was replaced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson.

Cartoonist Matt, 67, said that while he did not have a problem with white actors portraying non-white characters in The Simpsons, he accepts that times have changed since the program was launched in 1989.

In a rare interview with BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, Matt said: ‘I think it’s great, times have changed, but I really had no problem with the way we did it. All of our actors each play dozens of characters, it’s never designed to exclude anyone. ‘

Asked if he believes the controversy has raised awareness of the need for more diversity in writers ‘rooms, he said:’ I absolutely agree with that. And we’re trying to make it better.

“Greatness and racism are still an incredible problem, and it’s good to finally have more equality and representation.”

The program’s response in 2018 was subject to much criticism when Lisa Simpson looked at the camera in an episode and said: ‘Something that started decades ago and was applauded and untouchable is now politically incorrect.

“What can you do?”

After the setback, The Simpsons announced that he was going to fulfill his non-white roles again.

Asked if he regrets how they handled it, Matt said: ‘At some point, it doesn’t matter what you say. You’re going to be attacked by whoever, you know? Honestly, it does not affect me at all.

“We do not make much effort to comfort adults. On the other hand, if you make any kind of gestures and people experience a weakness, you will be criticized. ‘

This comes after it was reported that the longest-running animated series in television history is participating in the list of titles that make more racially sensitive decisions about casting.

The Wrap State Hibbert is now voiced by black actor Kevin (56), who has previously landed various roles in the show, alongside Family Guy, American Dad! and numerous other titles.

Harry (77) is meanwhile will continue to express his numerous other characters in The Simpsons, including Mr Burns and Smithers, Ned Flanders and Kent Brockman.

A statement from 20th Century Fox reads: ‘Last night’s episode DiaryQueen had Harry Shearer for the last time as the voice of Dr. Hibbert displays …

‘Next Sunday’s episode Wad Goals will feature Kevin Michael Richardson for Dr. Hibbert let it be known – and from there he would make up the character. ‘

Veteran actor Harry has given his character to Hibbert’s character since The Simpsons’ second season back in 1990, while Kevin has played various roles in the program since 2009.

In 2013, Kevin was asked if he ever felt tested because of his voice, to which he said, ‘Sometimes, from what I did, people want sounds similar to those of the characters. What I admire are people who call me for a variety …

‘Knowing that I can do highs and lows and things like that, like when I was Cleveland Jr. and Barney Rubble was, is pretty cool. Not being in one specific area is nice. It’s nice to know that people are aware of what I can do. ‘

The move to replace Harry reflects several other similar decisions over the past year, particularly in light of renewed attention to racial prejudice and white privilege thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Last July, Kristen Bell appeared in the role of Molly in the Apple TV + animated series Central Park, which also stems from concerns about representation.

Bell announced via social media that she will be expressing her character with a candid and candid statement on her Instagram.

“The cast of a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and the Black American experience,” she wrote at the time.

‘This is a time to acknowledge our act of complicity. Here is one of mine. “Playing Molly’s character at Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my ongoing privilege,” she added.

Last summer, Mike Henry, Family Guy, also announced that he was going to cast the black character Cleveland Brown.

Elsewhere, Hank Azaria made the decision to stop voicing the Indian-American character of Apu on The Simpsons, which last played the role in 2017.

The cast comes after Fox made a brief statement last June: “The Simpsons will no longer let white actors vote white characters.”