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‘The Simpsons’ season 32 premiere features a Black actor's voice for Carl

Alex Désert made his debut as the voice of Carl Carlson during Sunday’s season 32 premiere of ‘The Simpsons.’ Carl had previously been voiced by white actor Hank Azaria even though the character is Black. Désert, who is also Black, is part of a commitment from the show to have characters of color voiced by actors of color. Désert’s debut was seemingly well received by viewers on social media, with many appreciating that the show is trying to be more inclusive. Fox also recently announced that Black ‘Family Guy’ character Cleveland Brown will be voiced by Black actor Arif Zahir.

Video Transcript

- Hey, Homer? Look what Fred made Burns give us to handle plutonium.

- Look at me, I'm Audrey Hepburn.

KYLIE MAR: Sunday not only marked the beginning of the Simpsons' 32 second season, but it also marked the beginning of Alex Désert voice as Homer's close friend, 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, as well as other characters. And while the new voice surprised some viewers, many thought Alex did an excellent job in his debut.

- We were just working out a list of new things you can get old man Burns to give us.

- What do you mean, old man Burns?

- [LAUGHS] I mean, he's so old.

- Fossilized scarecrow.