South Park is an American animated sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone who also do the majority of the voices.[1][2][3] Both Parker and Stone do most of the male characters on the show along with April Stewart and Mona Marshall, who do the female characters on the show. Guest stars have lent their voices to the show including Jay Leno, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Bill Hader, Robert Smith and the comedy duo Cheech & Chong voiced characters representing their likenesses for the season four (2000) episode "Cherokee Hair Tampons", which was the duo's first collaborative effort in 20 years.[4] The entirety of the Nu-Metal band Korn also provided their voices and likenesses in the season three episode "Korn's Groovy Pirate Ghost Mystery".

Characters in the show, according to Parker and Stone, are inspired by people they met when they were kids. Stan Marsh is made based on Parker himself while Kyle Broflovski is based on Stone himself.[5][6][7] Eric Cartman is partially named after and based on Matt Karpman, a high school classmate of Parker who remains a friend of both Parker and Stone.[8] Cartman is also inspired by All in the Family patriarch Archie Bunker, of whom Parker and Stone are fans. They state that creating Cartman as a "little eight-year-old fat kid" made it easier for the two to portray a Bunker-like character after the introduction of political correctness to late-20th century television.[9][10] Kenny McCormick was based on the creator's observation that most groups of childhood friends in small middle-class towns always included "the one poor kid" and decided to portray Kenny in this light.[11] Butters Stotch is loosely based on South Park co-producer Eric Stough.[12]

Some of the original voice actors left the show. Mary Kay Bergman voiced the majority of the female characters until her suicide on November 11, 1999. Mona Marshall and Eliza Schneider succeeded Bergman, with Schneider leaving the show after its seventh season (2003). She was replaced by April Stewart, who, along with Marshall, continues to voice most of the female characters. Isaac Hayes, who voiced the character Chef, left the show after Parker and Stone's depiction of the cult of Scientology, to which Hayes belonged, in the episode Trapped in the Closet.[13]

Current cast

Parker and Stone voice most of the male South Park characters.[2][1][3] Mary Kay Bergman voiced the majority of the female characters until her death on November 11, 1999. Mona Marshall and Eliza Schneider succeeded Bergman in 2000, with Schneider leaving the show after its seventh season (2003). She was replaced by April Stewart, who, along with Marshall, continues to voice most of the female characters. Bergman was originally listed in the credits under the alias Shannen Cassidy to protect her reputation as the voice of several Disney and other kid-friendly characters.[14] Stewart was originally credited under the name Gracie Lazar,[15] while Schneider was sometimes credited under her rock opera performance pseudonym Blue Girl.[16]

Other voice actors and members of South Park's production staff have voiced minor characters for various episodes, while a few staff members voice recurring characters; supervising producer Jennifer Howell voices student Bebe Stevens,[3] storyboard artist Adrien Beard voices the school's only black student, Tolkien Black,[17] producer Vernon Chatman voiced an anthropomorphic towel named Towelie,[3] and supervising producer John Hansen voices Mr. Slave, the former gay lover of Mr. Garrison.[18] Series developer Eric Stough also voices Kenny McCormick "un-muffled," in the few episodes where the character does not wear his trademark parka that normally muffles his voice.[19] Throughout the show's run, the voices for toddler and kindergarten characters have been provided by various small children of the show's production staff.[20]

When voicing child characters, the voice actors speak within their normal vocal range while adding a childlike inflection. The recorded audio is then edited with Pro Tools, and the pitch is altered to make the voice sound more like that of a fourth grader.[21][22][23]

Isaac Hayes voiced the character of Chef, a black, soul-singing cafeteria worker who was one of the few adults the boys consistently trusted.[24][25] Hayes agreed to voice the character after being among Parker and Stone's ideal candidates which also included Lou Rawls and Barry White.[26] Hayes, who lived and hosted a radio show in New York during his tenure with South Park, would record his dialogue on a digital audio tape while a respective episode's director would give directions over the phone, then the tape would be shipped to the show's production studio in California.[27] After Hayes left the show in early 2006, the character of Chef was killed off in the season 10 (2006) premiere "The Return of Chef".

Guest stars

Celebrities who appear on the show are usually impersonated, though some celebrities lend their voice to their characters. Celebrities who have voiced themselves include Michael Buffer,[28][29] Brent Musburger,[30] Jay Leno,[31] Robert Smith,[32] and the bands Radiohead and Korn.[33][34] Comedy team Cheech & Chong voiced characters representing their likenesses for the season four (2000) episode "Cherokee Hair Tampons", which was the duo's first collaborative effort in 20 years.[4] Malcolm McDowell appears in live-action sequences as the narrator of the season four episode "Pip".[35]

Jennifer Aniston,[36] Richard Belzer,[37] Natasha Henstridge,[32] Norman Lear,[38] and Peter Serafinowicz[39] have guest starred as other speaking characters. During South Park's earliest seasons, several high-profile celebrities inquired about guest-starring on the show. As a joke, Parker and Stone responded by offering low-profile, non-speaking roles, most of which were accepted; George Clooney provided the barks for Stan's dog Sparky in the season one (1997) episode "Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride",[40] Leno provided the meows for Cartman's cat in the season one finale "Cartman's Mom Is a Dirty Slut",[40] and Henry Winkler voiced the various growls and grunts of a kid-eating monster in the season two (1998) episode "City on the Edge of Forever".[41] Jerry Seinfeld offered to lend his voice for the Thanksgiving episode "Starvin' Marvin", but declined to appear when he was only offered a role as "Turkey #4".[42]

Trey Parker

Trey Parker voices four of the main characters: Stan Marsh, Eric Cartman, Randy Marsh and Mr. Garrison. He also provides the voices of several recurring characters, such as Clyde Donovan, Mr. Hankey, Mr. Mackey, Stephen Stotch, Jimmy Valmer, Timmy Burch, Tuong Lu Kim and Phillip.

Matt Stone

Matt Stone voices three of the main characters: Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick and Butters Stotch. He also provides the voices of several recurring characters, such as Gerald Broflovski, Stuart McCormick, Craig Tucker, Jimbo Kern, Terrance, Saddam Hussein, Tweek Tweak, Mr. Adler and Jesus.

Mona Marshall

Mona Marshall voices Sheila Broflovski and Linda Stotch.

April Stewart

April Stewart voices Liane Cartman, Sharon Marsh, Carol McCormick, Shelly Marsh, Mayor McDaniels, Principal Victoria and Wendy Testaburger.

List

Actor Character(s)
Trey Parker Stan Marsh Eric Cartman
Randy Marsh Mr. Garrison
Grampa Marsh Clyde Donovan
Timmy Burch Jimmy Valmer
Ned Gerblansky Dr. Alphonse Mephesto and Kevin
Santa Claus Mr. Hankey
Mr. Mackey Stephen Stotch
Officer Barbrady Richard Tweak
Tuong Lu Kim Phillip
PC Principal Skeeter
Satan (1997–2018) Ms. Choksondik (2000–2002)
Matt Stone Kyle Broflovski Kenny McCormick
Butters Stotch Gerald Broflovski
Craig Tucker Tweek Tweak
Stuart McCormick Jimbo Kern
Terrance Scott Malkinson
Kevin Stoley Father Maxi
Jesus Christ Mr. Adler
Pip Pirrip (1997–2010) Saddam Hussein (1998–2003)
Mona Marshall Sheila Broflovski Linda Stotch
April Stewart Sharon Marsh Liane Cartman
Carol McCormick Shelly Marsh
Mayor McDaniels Principal Victoria
Wendy Testaburger Mrs. Tweak

Recurring guest voices

The recurring guest voices include John Hansen, Vernon Chatman, Adrien Beard and Jennifer Howell.

Actor Character(s) Notes
Jennifer HowellBebe StevensGuest starred in several episodes since season 1[3]
Vernon ChatmanTowelieGuest starred in several episodes since season 5
Adrien BeardTolkien Black[17][43]Guest starred in several episodes since season 4
John HansenMr. Slave[18]Guest starred in several episodes season 6
Jessica MakinsonHeidi Turner
Strong Woman
Henrietta Biggle		Guest starred in several episodes since season 6[44]
Kimberly BrooksNichole Daniels
Linda Black
Laura Tucker
Margaret Nelson (2015–2021)
Various characters		Guest starred in several episodes since season 12

Casting changes

Mary Kay Bergman voiced the majority of the female characters until her death on November 11, 1999. Mona Marshall and Eliza Schneider succeeded Bergman in 2000, with Schneider leaving the show after its seventh season (2003). She was replaced by April Stewart, who, along with Marshall, continues to voice most of the female characters. Isaac Hayes, who voiced the character Chef, left the show after Parker and Stone's depiction of his religion Scientology in the episode "Trapped in the Closet".

Actor Character(s) Notes
Mary Kay BergmanLiane Cartman, Sheila Broflovski, Shelly Marsh, Sharon Marsh, Mayor McDaniels, Mrs. McCormick, Wendy Testaburger, Principal Victoria and Ms. CrabtreeRecast after her death in 1999. The last episode to feature her voice was Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics.
Eliza SchneiderLiane Cartman, Shelly Marsh, Sharon Marsh, Mayor McDaniels, Mrs. McCormick, Wendy Testaburger, Principal Victoria and Ms. CrabtreeSchneider replaced Mary Kay Bergman after her death in 1999. Schneider left after the show's seventh season.[14]
Isaac HayesChefLeft after the season 9 episode "Trapped in the Closet", which mocked his religion Scientology.[13] The character appeared again in the first episode of season 10, but his voice consists entirely of older recordings spliced together for comical effect, the character was killed off in the same episode. Hayes passed away in 2008.

Due to the unusually small cast (majority of characters voiced by Parker and Stone) only Bergman, Schneider, and Hayes have left the cast as aforementioned in 1999, 2003, and 2008 respectively.

References

  1. 1 2 "Critic's Notebook; What? Morals in 'South Park'?". The New York Times. April 28, 2004. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Jaime J. Weinman (March 12, 2008). "South Park grows up". Macleans.ca. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Who does the voices for the characters on South Park?". South Park Studios. April 23, 2002. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  4. 1 2 Cashmere, Paul (March 5, 2009). "Cheech and Chong Will Make Another Movie". www.undercover.com.au. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  5. ↑ Jake Trapper and Dan Morris (2006-09-22). "Secrets of 'South Park'". ABC News. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
  6. ↑ "South Park FAQ". South Park Studios. 2009-02-10. Archived from the original on 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
  7. ↑ "40 Questions". South Park Studios. 2001-10-04. Archived from the original on 2010-11-29. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
  8. ↑ "FAQ Archives". South Park Studios. Archived from the original on 2008-04-08. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  9. ↑ Rovner, Julie (2008-04-05). "Eric Cartman: America's Favorite Little $@#&*%". NPR. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  10. ↑ Trey Parker; Matt Stone (2002-03-01). "Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Larry Divney 'Speaking Freely' transcript" (Interview). Archived from the original on 2010-02-09. Retrieved 2007-02-08.
  11. ↑ Trey Parker, Matt Stone. Goin' Down to South Park (Television documentary). Comedy Central.
  12. ↑ "CU-Boulder Alum, 'South Park' Animation Director To Work With CU Film Students". University of Colorado at Boulder. April 21, 2008. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011.
  13. 1 2 "Scientologist Isaac Hayes quits 'South Park'". MSNBC. Associated Press. March 21, 2006. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  14. 1 2 Bonin, Liane (November 22, 1999). "A Voice Silenced". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  15. ↑ "April Stewart – ABOUT". www.aprilstewart.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  16. ↑ "MY BIO:::: Eliza Jane". www.elizaschneider.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  17. 1 2 "FAQ: April 2001". southparkstudios.com. April 30, 2001. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2008.
  18. 1 2 "FAQ: November 2003". southparkstudios.com. November 21, 2003. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
  19. ↑ Eric Stough, retrieved 2017-11-22
  20. ↑ "Ike FAQ Archives". South Park Studios. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
  21. ↑ "40 Questions". South Park Studios. October 4, 2001. Archived from the original on November 29, 2010. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  22. ↑ Stephanie Jorgl (2005). "South Park: Where The Sound Ain't No Joke!" (PDF). Digizine. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  23. ↑ "South Park FAQ". South Park Studios. February 10, 2009. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  24. ↑ Jeffrey Ressner and James Collins (March 23, 1998). "Gross And Grosser". Time. Archived from the original on August 21, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  25. ↑ "FAQ: June 2001". southparkstudios.com. June 28, 2001. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
  26. ↑ Trey Parker, Matt Stone. Goin' Down to South Park (Television documentary). Comedy Central.
  27. ↑ Matt Cheplic (May 1, 1998). "'As Crappy As Possible': The Method Behind the Madness of South Park". Penton Media. Archived from the original on March 29, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  28. ↑ Richmond, Ray (May 25, 2007). "Buffer 'rumbles' his way to the top". www.doghouseboxing.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  29. ↑ Mink, Eric (February 4, 1998). "South Park on religion: unbelievably tasteless – & funny". New York: www.nydailynews.com. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  30. ↑ Albee, Dave (March 4, 2007). "Lavin enjoying work with legendary broadcaster". www.marinij.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  31. ↑ Leonard, Tom (March 20, 2009). "Jay Leno profile: When Big Ears met Big Chin". London: telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on March 21, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  32. 1 2 Williams, Scott (January 20, 1998). "Park won't mess with excess". New York: www.nydailynews.com. Retrieved May 22, 2009.
  33. ↑ "Radiohead drawn into South Park". news.bbc.co.uk. July 5, 2001. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  34. ↑ Basham, David (October 11, 1999). "Korn To Premiere New Track During "South Park" Special". www.mtv.com. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  35. ↑ "FAQ: November 2008". southparkstudios.com. November 12, 2008. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2008.
  36. ↑ "FAQ: April 2001". southparkstudios.com. April 20, 2001. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2008.
  37. ↑ Mink, Eric (April 5, 2000). "South Park rules but schedule bites". New York: www.nydailynews.com. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  38. ↑ Barnes, Brooks; Cathcart, Rebecca (August 13, 2008). "Getting Out the Vote, Keeping Up With Youth". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved May 24, 2009.
  39. ↑ Philby, Charlotte (August 30, 2008). "My Secret Life: Peter Serafinowicz, Actor and comedian, age 36". London: www.independent.co.uk. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  40. 1 2 "FAQ: October 2001". southparkstudios.com. October 27, 2001. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2008.
  41. ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (April 13, 2009). "Exclusive: Henry Winkler Talks Sit Down, Shut Up". www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  42. ↑ Reed, Jasper (June 15, 1998). "Where Seinfeld's a turkey". London: www.independent.co.uk. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  43. ↑ Trey Parker, Matt Stone (2003). "South Park" - The Complete Fifth Season (DVD). Comedy Central. Mini-commentary for episode "Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000"
  44. ↑ "Jessica Makinson". Reportingpoint.net. 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2015-01-30.
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