Black actor will now voice Dr Hibbert on The Simpsons

Islamabad    –   The longest-running animated series in television history is again joining the list of titles making more racially sensitive casting decisions. The Simpsons is replacing the actor behind the character of Dr. Hibbert on the show, a role previously voiced by white actor Harry Shearer. As reported, Hibbert will now be voiced by black actor Kevin Michael Richardson, who has provided vocals for several roles in the show before, along with Family Guy, American Dad! and countless other titles. ‘Last night’s episode DiaryQueen featured Harry Shearer as the voice of Dr. Hibbert for the last time,’ 20th Television said in a statement provided to the outlet. ‘Next Sunday’s episode Wad Goals will have Kevin Michael Richardson voicing Dr. Hibbert — and from there on out he will voice the character.’ The move mirrors several other similar decisions in the past year, especially in light of renewed attention paid to racial biases and white privilege thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement.