(From left to right) Harry Shearer, Dr. Julius Hibbert, Kevin Michael Richardson.Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty; Fox; JC Olivera/WireImage
The Simpsonsis recasting one of its iconic roles after last year’s decision tono longer have white actors voice characters of color.
Sunday’s episode ofThe Simpsons, titled “Dairy Queen,” is the last that will feature Shearer, 77, as the voice of Springfield’s trusted physician. The comedian will carry on providing voices for his other roles, including Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner.
Richardson, who’s already made appearances on more than 70 episodes ofThe Simpsons, will take over as Dr. Hibbert starting with the Feb. 28 episode “Wad Goals” and will continue to voice the character moving forward.
Dr. Julius Hibbert.20th Century Fox/Everett
In June,The Simpsonspledged to diversify its cast, with a spokesperson for Fox saying in a statement to PEOPLE, “Moving forward,The Simpsonswill no longer have white actors voice non-white actors.”
“Once I realized that that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn’t want to participate in it anymore,” Azaria, 55, told the outlet. “It just didn’t feel right.”
Apu fromThe Simpsons.Fox
Controversy has surrounded the character since the release of a 2017 documentary calledThe Problem with Apu, in which writer Hari Kondabolu argued Apuperpetuates racial stereotypesthrough mannerisms and an exaggerated accent. Apu has been a character on the Fox television series since 1990.
Kumiko Albertson, a Japanese character, was also recast last year with Jenny Yokobori replacing Tress MacNeille on voicing duties.
source: people.com
