• Forums
  • Shop
  • iPhone 13
  • AirPods Deals
  • iPad Deals
  • Best Apple Watch

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
  4. /
  5. Apple
TV+

Kristen Bell will no longer play mixed-race character in 'Central Park'

"Playing the Molly in Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege."
Stephen Warwick
25 Jun 2020

Central ParkSource: Apple TV+

What you need to know

  • Kristen Bell is changing her role in TV+ show Central Park
  • She played Molly, a mixed-race character.
  • She says that a Black or mixed-race actress should be cast in the role.

Kristen Bell will no longer play Molly in the Apple TV+ show Central Park, stating that she believes her character, who is mixed-race, should be played by a Black or mixed-race actress.

A statement on Twitter was released with the following tweet:

This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Here's 1 of mine. Playing the Molly in Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character w/a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race & Black American experience. 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.

This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Heres 1 of mine. Playing the Molly in Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character w/a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race & Black American experience. pic.twitter.com/8AL8m4K7Uk

— Kristen Bell (@KristenBell) June 25, 2020

The statement says:

"Kristen Bell is an extraordinarily 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.

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."

Bell will remain with the show in a "new role", but a new actress will be found for Molly. The statement says "we profoundly regret that we might have contributed to anyone's feeling of exclusion or erasure."

Central Park is a musical comedy about a family that lives in, you guessed it, Central Park. From the show's own description:

"Central Park" is an animated musical comedy about the Tillermans, a family that lives in Central Park. Owen, the park manager, and Paige, his journalist wife, raise their kids Molly and Cole in the world's most famous park, while fending off hotel heiress Bitsy Brandenham and her long suffering assistant Helen, who would love nothing more than to turn the park into condos.

Out now!

TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Catch new episodes of SEE, For All Mankind, and The Morning Show now!

Subscribe, or enjoy a year's free viewing if you bought an iPhone, iPod, iPad Mac or Apple TV after September 10, 2019.

  • $5 a month at Apple

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Nintendo recap: Stock controversy and Zelda port rumors
From the Editor's desk

Nintendo recap: Stock controversy and Zelda port rumors

This week we got some bad news for a game's collector's edition and also learned of controversy surrounding a purchase of Nintendo stock. Plus, Zelda rumors continue to fly.

How to use Apple's Accessibility Assistant shortcut
A more accessible world

How to use Apple's Accessibility Assistant shortcut

Apple released new versions of their Accessibility Assistant shortcut for Mac and Apple Watch, joining the iPhone & iPad version. We cover how the shortcut works, plus provide links to the Accessibility shortcuts available in the Gallery.

Do game sequels need to reinvent the wheel every time?
womp womp

Do game sequels need to reinvent the wheel every time?

Adding new things to every sequel isn't sustainable, but taking too much away is equally disappointing.

Catch up with the latest Apple TV+ shows with the best streaming devices
Apple TV+ everywhere

Catch up with the latest Apple TV+ shows with the best streaming devices

Binge watch the latest season of Ted Lasso and so much more with the best streaming devices that support the Apple TV app.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • Apple TV+
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac
  • Apple TV
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • HomeKit
  • Forums

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Fitness
  • Apps
  • Gaming
  • Deals
  • Advertising Inquiries
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • Windows Central
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • y
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement