In the midst of the fight for racial equality and the demand for justice for Black people, it has come to light our favorite Black cartoons actually are voiced by White actors. Who would’ve thought?
Last week, “Big Mouth’s” Jenny Slate who voices the character Missy stepped down along with Kristen Bell of “Central Park.” This week, Mike Henry, the voice of Cleveland on “Family Guy” and the spin-off “The Cleveland Show,” resigned from his position over the racial insensitivity of his casting.
“It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on ‘Family Guy’ for 20 years,” Henry wrote on social media. “I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role.”
Since then, “The Wire” actor, Wendell Pierce has launched a social media campaign to show his interest in being cast as the new voice actor of Cleveland.
Now that Mike Henry has consciously given up the role of Cleveland,I am publicly starting a campaign to voice the role myself on The Cleveland Show. #WendellIsCleveland @TheClevelandSho @SethMcFarlane_ pic.twitter.com/Ux3F0uk1p6
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 28, 2020
“Now that Mike Henry has consciously given up the role of Cleveland, I am publicly starting a campaign to voice the role myself on ‘The Cleveland Show.’”
Not only is he ready to take on the role, but his fellow Hollywood actors have also hopped on board to show support, with “House of Cards” Emmy nominee Michael Kelly who wrote,
“Perfect! Wendell Pierce is not only one of the most talented dudes I know, but also someone you’ll love hanging with.”
Who in Black Hollywood would you like to see try voice acting as people continue to step down from their roles?
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