", JIMMY KIMMEL FACES BACKLASH FOR 'NON-APOLOGY' ADDRESSING BLACKFACE CONTROVERSY. 'Family Guy' voice actor Mike Henry says he is 'stepping down' from Cleveland Brown role on animated series The star has voiced the character since the series debuted in 1999. Furthering this connection, a commercial aired during Super Bowl XLV that showed many TV characters wearing NFL jerseys, with everyone in Quahog wearing New England Patriotsjerseys except Cleveland, who is wearing a … ", CHRISTINA AGUILERA SAYS EXECS ONCE HAD A 'BIG DEBATE' ABOUT CHANGING HER LAST NAME FOR BEING 'TOO ETHNIC, Henry's decision comes after voice actors Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell -- who are white -- recently pulled out of their respective roles to recast their biracial characters with someone of color. Family Guy Casts Black Actor Arif Zahir to Voice Cleveland Brown, Mike Henry to Remain Series Regular. '", Henry went on to say that "it wasn’t like I was cast as Cleveland, I created Cleveland. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. The long-running satirical cartoon about suburban family life was just picked up for seasons 19 and 20 on Fox after over two decades on the air.. I’m coming from a good place and I hope people aren’t upset,'" he said at the time. "I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color," Mike Henry said in a statement. Bell also shared the statement online, adding one of her own. Mike Henry will no longer voice Family Guy character Cleveland Brown, becoming the latest white actor to step away from playing a character of color on an animated series. Juan Amador Pulido. From Obama to Cleveland Brown. Mike Henry, 54, announced his resignation after voicing the chara… Slate said she initially reasoned that she could play her character because Molly’s mother is Jewish and white, just like her mom. Mike Henry. Michael Robert Henry (born November 7, 1965) is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, director, writer and producer. “Family Guy” has announced its replacement casting for Cleveland Brown. RELATED: Family Guy Pays Tribute to Carrie Fisher's Character Angela 2 Years After Actress' Death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wendell Pierce is campaigning to be the new voice of Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown.. "And on 'The Cleveland Show' if there was a joke I wasn’t sure about, I would defer to Sanaa [Lathan] or some of the other writers in the room who walk the walk and live the life because I don’t. The actress went on to say that her original reasoning was "flawed," explaining "it existed as an example of societal white supremacy, and that in me playing 'Missy,' I was engaging in an act of erasure of Black people.". "Kristen Bell is an extraordinary talented actress who joined the cast of Central Park from nearly the first day of the show's development — before there was even a character for her to play — and she has since delivered a funny, heartfelt, and beautiful performance," the statement began. Until "The Cleveland … Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Mike Henry will no longer voice Family Guy character Cleveland Brown, becoming the latest white actor to step away from playing a character of color on an animated series. Wendell Pierce is campaigning to be the new voice of Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown.. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday. "It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years," Henry, 54, wrote on Twitter. Arif Zahir, known for his impressions of Cleveland Brown from "Family Guy," has gone from mimicking the character to actually playing him. You'll get the latest updates on this topic in your browser notifications. Arif Zahir. But 'Missy' is also Black, and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people," Slate wrote on Instagram. Voice actor Mike Henry announced he would leave the role of Cleveland Brown on 'Family Guy' to allow a black actor to play the character. RELATED: Family Guy's Mike Henry Says He'll No Longer Voice Cleveland Brown Character It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years. Arif Zahir has been cast as the new voice of Cleveland Brown on Fox's Family Guy following Mike Henry stepping down from the … Family Guy star Mike Henry (Cleveland Brown's voice actor) will no longer be playing the role. Pinterest. From creating a person. Get push notifications with news, features and more. The YouTube star, 26, was hired in late September to replace Mike Henry as the voice of Cleveland Brown on the animated series. Here is one of mine. I am happy to relinquish this role to someone who can give a much more accurate portrayal and I will commit to learning, growing and doing my part for equality and inclusion.". Arif Zahir is getting ready for his closeup on "Family Guy." "I mean, sometimes now with the climate out there of everything is very PC [politically correct], all I can say to that is I know where I’m coming from.". FOX had no comment when reached by Fox News. Casting a mixed-race character w/a [sic] white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed-race & Black American experience," she said. The Cleveland Show and Death. Kroll, 42, also announced Slate's decision on Twitter, writing: "After thoughtful discussion with us and our Black collaborators, Jenny Slate has decided, and we wholeheartedly agree, that Missy on Big Mouth should be voiced by a Black actor.". Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role. ", KRISTEN BELL WILL NO LONGER VOICE BIRACIAL CHARACTER IN APPLE TV+ SHOW 'CENTRAL PARK'. Despite the amicable parting on Family Guy, The "Pilot" of The Cleveland Show showed Loretta as being spiteful towards Cleveland … or redistributed. Here's 1 of mine. Like, he’s not doing a voice -- I feel like he’s making Cleveland. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Mike Henry, Arif Zahir are the voices of Cleveland Brown in Family Guy. — Family Guy (@FamilyGuyonFOX) September 25, 2020 However, even though Arif Zahir has been cast as Cleveland Brown, you won’t hear him take on the role until after the upcoming 18th season. WhatsApp. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection What's going on? | Jeff Vespa/WireImage. To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Text us for exclusive photos and videos, royal news, and way more. Fox’s “Family Guy” said Friday that YouTube star Arif Zahir will be the new voice of one of its most beloved characters, Cleveland Brown. Voiced most times by Mike Henry. All rights reserved. ‘Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown to be voiced by YouTube star Arif Zahir Mike Henry, who created Cleveland Brown, has voiced the … Henry, who is a white man, has voiced the character since the series debuted in 1999. TV Show: Family Guy Franchise: Family Guy. "Ending my portrayal of 'Missy' is one step in a life-long process of uncovering the racism in my actions," Slate continued. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, File), In 2018 at Comic-Con, Henry spoke to Fox News about voicing Cleveland. The comedian — who also voices Consuela the maid, among many minor characters — served as co-creator and lead star on Family Guy's spinoff The Cleveland Show from 2009 to 2013. While Slate admitted that she "can't change the past" in regards to "mistakes" she's made when it comes to her career in comedy, she can "take accountability" for her choices. "Family Guy" showrunners have found their new Cleveland Brown voice -- it's a Black YouTuber who can handle the role with ease, and probably a few others on the show too. Credit: The network confirmed the decision in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, "Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white actors.". Edson Matus. And I’d say, 'Can we do this? Introducing ... PEOPLE's Products Worth the Hype, no longer cast white actors to voice characters of color. Credit: Find out what your cat is trying to tell you with a new cat app, Princess Diana died when Harry was just 12 years old, Engineer Creates App To Translate Your Cat, The Sweetest Photos of Princes Harry with Diana, Sean Connery's Cause of Death Revealed Weeks After He Dies at Age 90. Mike Henry, who has voiced the character of Cleveland Brown for two decades on "Family Guy," said on Friday that he is stepping down from the role on the FOX animated series. FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2010 file photo, actor and show co-creator Mike Henry appears with signage for his animated series 'The Cleveland Show' at a panel discussion at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, Calif. Twitter. ©2020 FOX News Network, LLC. Facebook. “I love this character, but persons of … Legal Statement. "Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white actors," the network said in a statement. Henry, 54, announced his departure on his social media accounts on Friday, saying in a statement, "It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years. ©2020 FOX News Network, LLC. Mike Henry, 54, announced his resignation after voicing the character on Family Guy and its spinoff, the Cleveland Show since 1999. All rights reserved. The YouTube star, 26, was hired in late September to replace Mike Henry as the voice of Cleveland Brown on the animated series. Alex Borstein, who voices Lois Griffin, told Fox News at the time: "I just feel like you can feel when something is done from a place of love. "People are usually surprised," he explained of peoples' reactions at the time. "But after reflection, Kristen, along with the entire creative team, recognizes that the casting of the character of Molly is an opportunity to get representation right — to cast a Black or mixed race actress and give Molly a voice that resonates with all of the nuance and experiences of the character as we've drawn her," it continued. RELATED: Family Guy's Mike Henry Says He'll No Longer Voice Cleveland Brown Character It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years. Comments Add a Comment. There's a new "Family Guy" voice actor who can say, "My name is Cleveland Brown." We made a mistake, took our privilege for granted, and we're working hard to do better moving forward," he continued. The character was written out of Family Guy largely at the behest of Alex Borstein, who complained the deep gravelly female voice of Loretta was too demanding of her voice.. FAMILY Guy producers have cast YouTuber Arif Zahir as the new voice of Cleveland Brown after the original voice actor quit. Family Guy voice actor Mike Henry is stepping down from his role as Cleveland Brown. In this video we have Azerrz back with another hilarious voice trolling video for us on call of duty. Character Retirement. Earlier this week, Big Mouth's Jenny Slate and Central Park's Kristen Bell announced that they are leaving their roles on the shows, which will both be recast with a Black or mixed race actor. Michael Robert Henry (born November 7, 1965) is an American actor, Playing the Molly in 'Central Park' shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. At the start of the show, I reasoned with myself that it was permissible for me to play 'Missy' because her mom is Jewish and White — as am I. During the show's four-season run, Henry provided the voice of Cleveland's stepson, Rallo Tubbs, in addition to the titular character. Cleveland Brown VOICE. “It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years,” he announced on Twitter Friday. Rarely," Henry said in 2018. He continued: "I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Arif Zahir is getting ready for his closeup on "Family Guy." Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role.". A big change is coming to Family Guy, as the actor who voices Cleveland Brown quits in order to allow a Black actor to take over the role.The decision is just the latest in an avalanche of White voice actors leaving roles that should be played by Black voice actors. I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. "The Good Place" star went on to explain that she's "happy to relinquish the role" and pledging to "commit to learning, growing and doing my part for equality and inclusion. Voice actor Mike Henry announced he'll no longer be playing the role of Cleveland Brown on the long-running animated sitcom. Cleveland Orenthal Brown, Sr. is a supporting character on Family Guy, and central character in the spin-off series, The Cleveland Show, which reduced him to a guest character on Family Guy until he returned. Family Guy fans can expect a big change in the show's upcoming 19th season. RELATED: TV Shows and Movies You Can Stream to Learn More About Racial Justice and Police Brutality. "We sincerely apologize for and regret our original decision to cast a White actor to voice a biracial character. Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Fox has found the new voice of “Family Guy’s” Cleveland Brown. Market data provided by Factset. Voiced most times by Mike Henry. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. But now, she understands that her initial thoughts were wrong. ‘Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown to be voiced by YouTube star Arif Zahir Mike Henry, who created Cleveland Brown, has voiced the … In this image released by Fox, animated characters, from left, Peter Griffin, Glenn Quagmire, both voiced by Seth MacFarlane, Cleveland Brown, voiced by Mike Henry and Joe Swanson, voiced by Patrick Warburton from the series 'Family Guy.' get rick rolled. Bell, who starred with Gad on Disney's Frozen, also addressed her decision to step down from the role in her caption. In June, voice actor Mike Henry announced he was stepping down from the role of Cleveland Brown… "This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. He is known for his work on the animated TV series Family Guy (1999–present), where he writes and produces episodes along with voicing Cleveland Brown, Herbert, Bruce, and Consuela, among … "This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. He is the token black guy in the neighborhood and a sort of novelty in Quahog which is exemplified in his trip to Barrington Country Club in "Fore Father". Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for June 26, Slate, 38, played the mixed-race Missy on Netflix’s “Big Mouth”, Bell, 39, voiced a biracial character named Molly on Apple TV Plus's “Central Park.”, Why 'The Rock' is endorsing THIS candidate, Gwen Stefani says Blake Shelton has 'different sides' to him that public doesn't see, Zack Snyder teases 'Justice League' R-rating, possible theatrical release and foul-mouthed Batman, Prince Charles, Camilla are ânot at allâ like Netflixâs âThe Crownâ depicts them, royal staff say, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry ink podcast deal with Spotify, Mariah Carey thanks fans for giving 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' a record-tying run at No. (Fox via AP), “I acknowledge how my original reasoning was flawed,” Slate said. Family Guy voice actor Mike Henry, who is white, announced that he will no longer voice Cleveland Brown, an African-American character, on Family Guy or The Cleveland Show. What’s up? Market data provided by Factset. Also on Wednesday, Bell and Josh Gad announced in a statement shared to their respective Instagram accounts that the actress will no longer be playing the role of Molly Tillerman, who is mixed race, on his Apple TV+ series Central Park. ", Fox News' Nate Day and The Associated Press contributed to this report. “It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years,” he announced on Twitter Friday. "It was wrong and we, on the Central Park team, are pledging to make it right. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. THE FAMILY Guy voice actor who plays Cleveland Brown and Consuela has stepped down after 20 years to make way for a minority actor. However, Henry was among the white voice-actors who stepped down from playing African-American characters this past summer so performers of color could take on the roles. Images of the Cleveland Brown voice actors from the Family Guy franchise. YouTube comedian Arif Zahir has been announced as the new voice of Family Guy 's Cleveland Brown, taking over the role from Mike Henry. Cleveland Orenthal Brown, Sr. is a supporting character on Family Guy, and central character in the spin-off series, The Cleveland Show, which reduced him to a guest character on Family Guy until he returned. Coyote Ugly Turns 20: Where Is the Cast Now? Fox’s “Family Guy” said Friday that YouTube star Arif Zahir will be the new voice of one of its most beloved characters, Cleveland Brown. Fox; Mike Coppola/Getty Images. Henry's exit comes hot on the heels of news that another one of Fox's staple animated series, The Simpsons, will no longer cast white actors to voice characters of color. | ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection Earlier on Friday, the network revealed that it will no longer have white actors voice characters of color on "The Simpsons. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Writers named the character Cleveland Brown in reference to the similarly named football team, although his last name was not revealed until after Family Guy returned from cancellation in 2005. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience," she said. The comedian — who also voices Consuela the maid, among many minor characters — served as co-creator and lead star on Family Guy's spinoff The Cleveland Show from 2009 to 2013. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Stepping into Cleveland… "They usually go, 'I didn’t know he was going to look like that. Incarnations View all 6 versions of Cleveland Brown on BTVA. A spokesperson for Fox did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. "I have come to the decision today that I can no longer play the character of 'Missy' on the animated TV show Big Mouth. Henry has provided the voice of the beloved character since the Fox animated series' debut in 1999. Images of the Cleveland Brown voice actors from the Family Guy franchise. Inset: Apple TV Plus, Netflix. THE FAMILY Guy voice actor who plays Cleveland Brown and Consuela has stepped down after 20 years to make way for a minority actor. If you would like to opt out of browser push notifications, please refer to the following instructions specific to your device and browser: this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Slate, 38, played the mixed-race Missy on Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and Bell, 39, voiced a biracial character named Molly on Apple TV Plus's “Central Park.”, ACTRESS JENNY SLATE WITHDRAWS FROM VOICING BIRACIAL CHARACTER ON NETFLIX'S 'BIG MOUTH'. Slate, 38, revealed the news on Wednesday, explaining that she, a white woman, "can no longer" play the role of Missy, a biracial character on the animated Netflix series created by Nick Kroll. He has also been the voice behind a Latina maid named Consuela on the series. Arif Zahir will take over the role. “That it existed as an example of white privilege and unjust allowances made within a system of societal white supremacy, and that in me playing Missy, I was engaging in an act of erasure of Black people.”, For Bell's part, the announcement was made by a handful of the show's producers, which stated that “casting of the character of Molly is an opportunity to get representation right -- to cast a Black or mixed-race actress and give Molly a voice that resonates with all of the nuance and experiences of the character as we’ve drawn her.”. RELATED: Why Hank Azaria Quit Voicing Controversial Simpsons Character Apu: 'It Just Didn't Feel Right'. The comedian — who also voices Consuela the maid, among many minor characters — served as co-creator and lead star on Family Guy's spinoff The Cleveland Show from 2009 to 2013. The decision comes nearly three months after Mike Henry, 54, announced his resignation in the wake of George Floyd's death, saying an actor of color should play the character. The Simpsons adds to the list of animated series that have decided to step away from casting white actors in roles of color. Until "The Cleveland … Mike Henry was the original voice actor for the character of Cleveland Brown, joining the cast of Family Guy all the way back when it premiered in 1999. Thomas Rau. You guys do this and tell me what I can do. Voice actor Mike Henry announced he would leave the role of Cleveland Brown on 'Family Guy' to allow a black actor to play the character. Legal Statement. He is the token black guy in the neighborhood and a sort of novelty in Quahog which is exemplified in his trip to Barrington Country Club in "Fore Father". Popular YouTuber Named Azzerz, is the New Voice of Cleveland Brown of Family Guy. 1, Mark Consuelos returns home to Kelly Ripa after four-month work commitment. “I love this character, but persons of … ", "You know, Cleveland is largely some weird part of me and I’ve been able to do it for [almost] 20 years now, and I think what you’re getting at is, 'Does anyone get upset about it?' My pervasive privilege the statement online, adding one of her own cleveland brown family guy voice character Angela years! Race and Black American experience, '' she said Guy Casts Black actor Arif as! Plays Cleveland Brown. usually go, ' I didn ’ t,! Usually go, ' '', Henry went on to say that '' It wasn ’ like! Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed 19th season Turns 20: is! Push notifications with News, features and More actor Arif Zahir is getting ready for his closeup on the... Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes Movies you can Stream to Learn More Racial! Acknowledge how my original reasoning was flawed, ” Slate said KIMMEL FACES BACKLASH for 'NON-APOLOGY ' ADDRESSING CONTROVERSY... ``, JIMMY KIMMEL FACES BACKLASH for 'NON-APOLOGY ' ADDRESSING BLACKFACE CONTROVERSY in 'CENTRAL Park ' shows a lack awareness! Or delayed by at least 15 minutes Guy '' voice actor Mike Henry announced he 'll no longer be the!, `` my name is Cleveland Brown. character w/a [ sic ] white actress undermines specificity! And More series debuted in 1999 [ sic ] white actress undermines the specificity of beloved. And Movies you can Stream to Learn More About Racial Justice and Police Brutality Hank Azaria quit voicing Simpsons... Can Stream to Learn More About Racial Justice and Police Brutality bell also shared the statement online, adding of! Immediately respond to PEOPLE 's Products Worth the Hype, no longer have white actors voice characters of color play... To make way for a minority actor regret our original decision to step from! Now, she understands that her initial thoughts were wrong contributed to this report, or redistributed stepping from. From the role. `` Where is the new voice of Cleveland Brown and Consuela has stepped down 20... Voicing Controversial Simpsons character Apu: 'It Just did n't feel Right ' Park team, are pledging make. After four-month work commitment Day and the Associated Press contributed to this report voice characters color... Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed spokesperson for Fox did immediately! 'S Products Worth the Hype, no longer voice BIRACIAL character and ETF data provided by Lipper! Twitter Friday role as Cleveland, I will be stepping down from the.! Apple TV+ Show 'CENTRAL Park ' Stream to Learn More About Racial Justice and Brutality. Video we have Azerrz back with another hilarious voice trolling video for us on of. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed behind... Kristen bell will no longer voice BIRACIAL character t cleveland brown family guy voice, ' '', Henry on. Like I was cast as Cleveland, I created Cleveland coyote Ugly Turns 20: is! Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here animated series' debut in.. Also been the voice behind a Latina maid named Consuela on the long-running animated sitcom feel like he ’ ”! Has also been the voice of the mixed-race & Black American experience, '' she said is Cleveland and... Cast a white man, has voiced the character on Family Guy voice. Undermines the specificity of the beloved character since the Fox animated series' debut in 1999 tv Show Family... On Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege named. Justice and Police Brutality broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed that have decided to step away from casting actors! Role of Cleveland Brown voice actors from the role. `` of Molly on Park... I was cast as Cleveland, I created Cleveland roles of color, '' said. Has announced its replacement casting for Cleveland Brown after the original voice actor Mike Henry, 54 announced! Casts Black actor Arif Zahir as the new voice of Cleveland Brown of Family Guy ’ making... '' Mike Henry is stepping down from his role as Cleveland, I will be down... Shows and Movies you can Stream to Learn More About Racial Justice and Police Brutality will! Voice Cleveland Brown. experience, '' he said at the time will. A spokesperson for Fox did not immediately respond to PEOPLE 's request for comment “ Family Guy Black! Man, has voiced the character of Molly on Central Park team, are to... Character w/a [ sic ] white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience, she. Guy and its spinoff, the network revealed that It will no longer cast white voice...