After years off the air, The Proud Family made a vibrant comeback with Louder and Prouder, but some fans quickly noticed a familiar face missing from Penny Proud’s crew: Sticky Webb. The tech-savvy and often logical voice among Penny’s friends was noticeably absent. So, what happened to Sticky in the reboot, and why isn’t he around? Let’s dive into the details of Sticky’s departure and what it means for the Proud family dynamic.
The Case of the Missing Sticky in Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Yes, Sticky Webb does make a very brief appearance in the very first episode of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, titled “New Kids on the Block.” However, it’s more of a fleeting goodbye than a welcome return. In the episode’s opening moments, Sticky is seen getting into a car with his family, making it clear they are moving away. His exit is marked by a note left for Penny, revealing the reason for his departure: “Penny, I’m really gonna miss you guys. My dad got a job in Japan. He said I didn’t have to go, I could stay with my cousins if I wanted, but I’ve just had enough of that crazy Dijonay.”
This quick and almost silent farewell is quite telling. Sticky’s primary motivation for leaving isn’t just his father’s job, but also to escape the relentless affections of Dijonay Jones. For long-time fans, Sticky’s interactions with Dijonay were a consistent source of humor, but it seems Sticky himself has reached his limit.
This departure is addressed swiftly in the show, leaving fans to wonder about the real-world reasons behind Sticky’s absence. The original voice actor for Sticky Webb was Orlando Brown, known for his roles in Family Matters and That’s So Raven. However, Orlando Brown has faced significant personal challenges in the years since the original Proud Family series concluded in 2005.
Orlando Brown’s Journey and Sticky’s Voice
Orlando Brown’s absence from The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder coincides with his well-documented personal struggles. Between the end of the original series and the reboot, Brown encountered legal issues, including arrests related to domestic abuse and substance possession. While these challenges are part of Brown’s past, and reports indicate he has been focusing on recovery and personal well-being since 2020, it’s unclear whether his personal journey played a role in Sticky’s reduced presence in the reboot.
Whether it was Brown’s decision, Disney’s, or a mutual agreement for Sticky to have a smaller role remains unconfirmed. Regardless, the show addressed Sticky’s absence within the narrative by having him move away, allowing for new characters and dynamics to emerge.
KG: The New “Sticky” for a New Generation?
With Sticky gone, Dijonay’s attention needed a new focus, and Louder and Prouder introduces KG, Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins’ brother, voiced by “A Boogie” Dubose. KG seems to be stepping into a similar role as the tech-interested friend in the group, and almost immediately, Dijonay sets her sights on him.
While KG is a new character and brings a fresh dynamic to Penny’s friend group, Sticky Webb and his dry wit are missed by many original Proud Family fans. Though Sticky’s physical presence is gone, his character and his memorable interactions with Penny and Dijonay remain a cherished part of The Proud Family legacy. For now, fans can enjoy The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder streaming on Disney+ and see how the new generation of Proud friends navigate life, tech, and of course, Dijonay’s unwavering affections.
