Getty Images | Jeff Vespa, Apple TV Plus, Netflix

Kristen Bell, Jenny Slate To Be Replaced With Black Actors For Voice-Acting Roles

While the recent rise of the Black Lives Matter movement happening in the world, it would make sense that those in Hollywood would be taking the time to look critically at their own actions and decisions.

Actresses Kristen Bell and Jenny Slate have decided to step down from two voice-acting gigs on Central Park and Big Mouth respectively.

Jenny Slate first announced her intention to step down from voicing the character Missy on Netflix's *Big Mouth*.

Netflix

Missy is a half-Black character on the show with dark skin.

"I have come to the decision today that I can no longer play the character of 'Missy' on the animated TV show Big Mouth. 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," Jenny said in a statement.

But 'Missy' is also Black, and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people," she continued.

"Ending my portrayal of 'Missy' is one step in a life-long process of uncovering the racism in my actions," Jenny wrote. "Most importantly, though, to anyone that I've hurt: I am so very sorry. Black voices must be heard. Black Lives Matter."

Jenny isn't the only one — Kristen Bell is also stepping down from voicing the character Molly on Apple TV's *Central Park*.

"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," an official statement on Kristen's Instagram read.

Kristen also felt that Molly, who is half-Black, should be voiced by a Black actress.

"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," the statement said.

What a cool move from these stars!