"The Simpsons" Replaces Harry Shearer with Black Actor Kevin Michael Richardson as Voice of Dr. Hibbert
by Andy Swift
February 22, 2021


Another popular Springfield resident is getting a long-overdue recast.

Harry Shearer, a white actor who has been voicing Doctor Julius Hibbert since the character’s debut more than 30 years ago, is stepping down from the role, TVLine has confirmed. In fact, Shearer’s final episode as Dr. Hibbert (Season 32’s “Diary Queen”) aired this past Sunday.

Shearer will continue to voice his myriad other roles including Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner and Mr. Burns.




Taking over the iconic character’s voice will be Kevin Michael Richardson, a well-known veteran of the voice acting world who has already lent his voice to "The Simpsons" (albeit in smaller roles) dozens of times since 2009.

His first episode as Dr. Hibbert (“Wad Goals”) will air Sunday, Feb. 28.

https://tvline.com/2021/02/22/the-simpsons-dr-hibbert-voice-recast-harry-shearer-replacement/

The Simpsons' new Dr. Hibbert voice Kevin Michael Richardson revealed he turned down the job last year (https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-56247935)

Richardson, a Simpsons regular, was recently announced as taking over the Dr. Hibbert role from Harry Shearer. But in a BBC News interview, he admitted that he turned down the job last year. "I was very fortunate to be asked to play the role, which, I must say, about a year ago, I declined," Richardson said. “But I was asked again and I just said yes, but I had no idea the impact it would have on the fans, and so many viewers. So I just want to have fun with it. And play around with it. And just hopefully evolve into that jolly socket that Mr. Shearer had created."