Disney+’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the beloved early 2000s animated series. Bringing back the charm and humor of the original while tackling contemporary issues, the show wouldn’t be the same without its stellar cast. Let’s delve into the talented voice actors who bring these iconic and new characters to life.
The revival series sees the return of many familiar voices that fans grew to love. Kyla Pratt reprises her role as the energetic and relatable Penny Proud. As the protagonist navigating teenage life, Penny’s experiences resonate with young viewers, especially as she now tackles the world of social media and influencer culture within the show. Pratt herself notes the importance of addressing these modern issues within Louder and Prouder, stating in an interview, “Addressing crazy social media and everything that’s going on in the world, it’s going to help them during their growing process.” Her portrayal of Penny remains central to the show’s appeal.
Alongside Pratt, the original friend group is back in action. Alisa Reyes returns as the fashionable and often sassy LaCienega Boulevardez, Penny’s sometimes rival but always loyal friend. Soleil Moon Frye once again voices the quirky and lovable Zoey Howzer, completing Penny’s core group of friends. The dynamic between these three actresses brings to life the relatable ups and downs of teenage friendships.
The heart of The Proud Family lies in the Proud family itself, and the original voice cast for Penny’s parents are back. Tommy Davidson and Paula Jai Parker brilliantly reprise their roles as Oscar and Trudy Proud, Penny’s often embarrassing but ultimately loving parents. Their comedic timing and portrayal of parental love are essential to the show’s humor and warmth. Rounding out the returning family is Cedric the Entertainer, who brings his signature comedic flair back to the role of Uncle Bobby, adding another layer of humor and family dynamics to the series.
Louder and Prouder also embraces evolution and representation with changes in its cast and character portrayals. Notably, Michael Collins, Penny’s flamboyant and fashion-forward friend, is now voiced by EJ Johnson, stepping in for Phil Lamarr. This casting choice aligns with the show’s commitment to inclusivity, as Michael is now explicitly depicted as openly queer. Johnson emphasizes the significance of this representation, saying, “Just to have a character who is out and proud, fabulous and completely, utterly unapologetically themselves is really just so beautiful.” This change marks a significant step in LGBTQ+ representation in children’s animation.
Expanding the world of The Proud Family, Louder and Prouder introduces new characters voiced by exciting talents. Keke Palmer joins the cast as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, and Artist “A Boogie” Dubose voices her brother, KG Leibowitz-Jenkins. These siblings bring fresh perspectives and experiences to Penny’s world. Adding to the diverse family representation, Zachary Quinto and Billy Porter voice Maya and KG’s two fathers, Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins. This addition further enriches the show’s commitment to showcasing diverse family structures and experiences.
Pratt highlights the importance of this expanded representation, noting, “When you’re growing up, to see representation of yourself lets you know that you are not alone in this world.” The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder continues the legacy of the original series by portraying a wide spectrum of characters, ensuring that a broader audience can see themselves reflected on screen. From returning fan favorites to exciting new voices, the cast of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is a key ingredient in the show’s continued success and its important messages of inclusivity, family, and growing up in today’s world.
