Arif Zahir uploaded videos in which he imitated Cleveland Brown from "Family Guy" - and was chosen to be his dub in place of Mike Henry, who resigned after preferring Black to dub him
A few months ago, the actor who dubbed the African-American man in the "Family Man" series, Mike Henry, announced that he would not continue to voice the character of Cleveland Brown.
"It was an honor to play the character of Cleveland for 20 years," he wrote.
"I like the character, but dark-skinned people should play dark-skinned people. Therefore, I announce my retirement."
Henry has created the character of Cleveland and dubbed it since "Family Man" aired in 1999, and also in the spin-off of the series - "The Cleveland Show".
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Heer thanks Mike Henry
Now, according to the Variety website, he will be replaced by a black guy named Arif Zahir, who became known for his successful dubbing of Cleveland Brown, which he used to play in videos he uploaded to YouTube.
Zahir will step into Henry's shoes in the show's 19th season, after it was announced that the season will continue for at least two more seasons, the 19th and 20th.
The announcement was made last Friday by series creator and executive producer Seth McFarlane, along with producers Rich Apple and Alec Sulkin.
Zahir imitates Obama and Trump
Mike Henry said: "Arif's vocal talent is clear, but his understanding of Cleveland and his respect for the character gave me confidence that he was in the right hands. I look forward to getting to know him and working with him to ensure Cleveland stays in every great sense it has always been."
In addition to Cleveland, Zahir, whose nickname on YouTube is "Azerrz," his videos also mimic Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Kendrick Lamar and more.
After Henry announced his resignation in June, Zahir uploaded a ticking video in which he offered his services as the next Cleveland dubber, and even tagged Henry.
"When I heard that Mike Henry had given up the role of Cleveland Brown - my all-time favorite cartoon character - I was shocked and sad, and assumed we would never see him (Cleveland)," Zahir said.
"When I realized I was about to get the job, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Mike, you came out with something really special, and I promise I will do my best to honor your legacy. Rich Apple, Alec Sulkin and Seth McFarlane, thank you for this amazing gift. And to the million fans "I love the show, I promise not to disappoint you."
Zahir sings rap as Cleveland Brown
Just a day before the announcement of Zahir's new role, fans of "The Simpsons" were informed that actor Alex Desert had accepted the role of Carl Carlson in the new season of the cartoon show.
Karl, whose character is black, was voiced by Hank Azaria, but the show's production announced several months earlier that from now on all non-white characters would be voiced by people of the same origin.
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