Harry Shearer, a veteran voice actor for “The Simpsons,” has shared his candid views on the evolving direction of the beloved animated series, particularly after stepping down from voicing the character Dr. Hibbert, a role he held until 2020.
Known for his versatility in bringing to life numerous iconic Springfield residents like Mr. Burns, Principal Skinner, and Ned Flanders, Shearer’s departure from voicing Dr. Hibbert marked a significant shift as the show adhered to new casting principles.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Shearer subtly expressed his discontent with the decision, which aligns with broader industry moves toward cultural sensitivity.
The producers of “The Simpsons” decided that white actors would no longer voice non-white characters, leading to Shearer’s replacement by a Black actor for the role of the cheerful physician Dr. Hibbert, originally inspired by Bill Cosby’s persona as the “whitest Black man on television.”
Shearer remarked, “Folk say the show has become woke in recent years and one of my characters has been affected. I voiced the Black physician, Dr. Hibbert, who I based on Bill Cosby. Then, a couple of years ago, I received an email saying they’d employed a Black actor, who then copied my voice. The result is a Black man imitating a white man imitating the whitest Black man on TV.”
This transition has sparked conversations among fans and critics alike, with some Gen-X centrists suggesting that “The Simpsons” has lost its original comedic edge in its attempts to navigate the modern cultural landscape. The term “gone woke” has been used by viewers who feel the series may be sacrificing its humour for political correctness.
The debate continues as “The Simpsons” navigates these complex cultural waters. Show producer Al Jean has expressed concerns about cancel culture, emphasizing a cautious approach to comedy in today’s sensitive environment.
Despite these changes, Shearer’s reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges long-running shows face as they adapt to new societal norms while trying to retain their humour and relevance.
“The Simpsons” remains a staple of animated entertainment, its future episodes eagerly anticipated by fans hoping for both laughs and perhaps a bit of the show’s classic provocative charm.
