Kristen Bell Steps Down From Voicing Mixed-Race Character On ‘Central Park’
Kristen Bell is taking a step down from voicing Molly Tillerman in the forthcoming Apple animated series Central Park. This is because the character on the show is of mixed race.
The actress posted a statement from the show creators on social media where they discuss their decision. They write, “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.”
Kristen Bell also made a separate statement about vacating the role. She states, “This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Here is one of mine. Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience.”
She added, “It was wrong and we, on the Central Park team, are pledging to make it right. 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.”
