The Simpsons Makes History with the Use of ASL and Casting Deaf Voice Actors

Season 33, episode 17 of the hit animated sitcom The Simpsons entitled “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” is outstanding for its use of American Sign Language (ASL) (although the characters have only 4 fingers), and for its casting of Deaf actor John Autry II to be the voice of the Deaf character Monk. Autry became the first Deaf performer to voice a character on the show through this role.

The ep. 17 additionally features a few other Deaf performers, like comedian Kathy Buckley and 3 youngsters, Kaylee Arellano, Ian Mayorga, and Hazel Lopez from No Limits, a nonprofit organization dedicated to deaf kids. This fact reinforces the impact of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” as a turning point in US entertainment history for the Deaf community.

Concern for Deaf People and Deaf Culture

“The Sound of Bleeding Gums” installment of The Simpsons demonstrates that its creators care about dealing with real-life issues on the show, especially regarding people of different communities like the Deaf. For instance, to voice the Deaf character Monk they chose Deaf actor John Autry II, who gave an outstanding performance. One more noteworthy part is the script, which was carefully written by Loni Steele Sosthand, whose brother was born deaf. Additionally, details associated with Deaf culture were carefully presented. And at another point in the episode Monk says to Lisa, I’m not anybody’s cause,” reflecting how Deaf people actually feel. They don’t want pity or assistance in accomplishing things simply because they can’t hear. They believe they are capable of doing anything a hearing person can do. The Deaf are proud of who they are and being Deaf is a vital part of their identity.

The Use of ASL in the Episode

The creators likewise deserve credit for trying to have characters with just four fingers communicate in American Sign Language. This process must have been difficult to animate, which could explain why signing appears at the end of the episode. It's a brief scene, but it's entertaining to watch the characters attempt the nearly impossible task of signing while missing a fifth finger. Despite The Simpsons characters only having four fingers on each hand, the producers used two ASL consultants to ensure the accuracy of the ASL used in the episode.

A Bright Future in Entertainment for the Deaf

With CODA winning Best Picture and other awards at the 2022 Oscars, and the airing of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” on The Simpsons, the Deaf community undoubtedly has a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry, especially in the field of animation. The Deaf actor John Autry II provides a great source of inspiration for other aspiring Deaf and hard of hearing actors. His ability to land a starring role on The Simpsons despite being Deaf is inspiring to both the Deaf and hearing communities.