Black actor Alex Désert replaces Hank Azaria as the voice of Carl on 'The Simpsons'
Sunday not only marked the premiere of the 32nd season of The Simpsons, but it also marked the debut of Alex Désert as the voice of Carl Carlson. Carl, who is Black, had previously been voiced by white actor Hank Azaria.
The move comes three years after comedian Hari Kondabolu’s documentary The Problem With Apu, which challenged the show’s stereotypical portrayal of Indian convenience store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
In the summer, The Simpsons producers announced that characters of color would no longer be voiced by white actors. Other shows have followed suit, including Fox’s other hit cartoon, Family Guy.
On Friday, it was announced that Black YouTube star Arif Zahir would be the new voice of Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown. The role had previously been voiced by white actor Mike Henry.
Désert’s debut as Carl appeared to be well received on social media. Many viewers appreciated that the series and network were attempting to be more inclusive.
Man, Alex Désert really did a great job voicing Carl Carlson!
— Brittany Beckman (@BritNB97) September 28, 2020
The Simpsons airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on FOX.
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