Surprise Voices: Celebrities You Never Knew Were on 'South Park'
When you watch the irreverent world of South Park, you expect a lot of things: satire, controversial humor, and a world where anything can happen. But did you know that behind those animated characters are sometimes the surprising voices of famous celebrities?
The Unexpected Gift of Norman Lear
In a plot with quirkiness only South Park could handle, Norman Lear, the creator of classic sitcom All in the Family, voiced none other than Benjamin Franklin. In Season 7’s “I’m a Little Bit Country,” Lear’s Franklin advised a conflicted Cartman about the merits of war, adding a historical twist with uncanny authenticity. Lear, who joined forces with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone due to mutual admiration, not only lent his voice but also officiated Parker’s first wedding, solidifying his place in South Park lore.
Natasha Henstridge: The ‘Species’ Surprise
Actress Natasha Henstridge, known for her role in Species, became part of South Park history as Ms. Ellen, the substitute teacher in “Tom’s Rhinoplasty,” a Season 1 episode. Full of humor and the show’s signature satirical edge, this episode saw the boys overenthusiastically misinterpret Ms. Ellen’s sexuality, creating a humorous subplot that still keeps fans amused today.
Richard Belzer: The Tooth Fairy Mafioso
Richard Belzer, comedian and the unforgettable Detective Munch of Law & Order, lent his voice to Loogie, a mobster-minded fourth grader in “The Tooth Fairy’s Tats 2000.” Belzer’s single episode as a tiny tycoon running a tooth trade operation is a hidden gem within South Park’s lineup. His mafioso take on playground antics remains a quirky delight, demonstrating the show’s penchant for twists on everyday life.
Jennifer Aniston’s Rainforest Adventure
In a turn few expected, Jennifer Aniston, then traversing the heights of her fame with Friends, voiced Ms. Stevens in “Rainforest Shmainforest.” This rainforest excursion gone awry is a comedy classic, leading Ms. Stevens and her young charges into myriad misadventures that challenge their views and embody the absurdity of South Park. Aniston’s guest spot was emblematic of the unexpected twists South Park offers.
This comical blending of reality and animation, where famous voices clandestinely move within the absurdity, recasts these guest spots into highlights of South Park’s audacious storytelling style. According to VICE, even if you’re a die-hard fan, these episodes are worth a rewatch to catch these superstar cameos that defy the expected.
