Missy, voiced by Jenny Slate, left Big Mouth in Season 5. She decided to step down from the role due to her discomfort with voicing a character of a different race.
Jenny Slate is white, and Missy is a Black character. Slate felt it was inappropriate for her to continue voicing the character, especially as she was no longer a teenager.
The creators of Big Mouth were supportive of Slate's decision and decided to recast the role. They chose Ayo Edebiri, a Black comedian, to voice Missy starting in Season 6.
This decision was well-received by fans and critics, who praised the show for its commitment to representation.
Here are some of the reasons why Jenny Slate's decision was important:
- Representation matters: It's crucial for animated shows to accurately represent diverse communities. Having a white actor voice a Black character can contribute to harmful stereotypes and reinforce the idea that white voices are dominant.
- Respecting cultural sensitivity: Slate's decision showed respect for the Black community and demonstrated her understanding of the importance of accurate representation.
- Setting a positive example: Slate's decision set a positive example for other actors and creators in the industry, encouraging them to prioritize inclusivity and representation.
The change in Missy's voice actor is a positive step for Big Mouth and the animation industry as a whole. It shows that creators are willing to listen to concerns about representation and take action to ensure that their shows reflect the diversity of the world.
