Isaac Hayes Hangs Up His "Chef" Hat; Leaves South Park Behind
 

Due to what, at the basis of the decision, is likely upset over the portrayal of Scientology, of which he is a follower, Isaac Hayes has left the cast of "South Park", probably for good.

ARTICLE

As mentioned in the article, this does seem like an oversensitized reaction to a perceived slight. Of all the times that South Park lampooned Judaism, Christianity, Muslim faiths and smaller, secular religions, Isaac Hayes said nary a word. But mention Scientology and bam, Hayes is out the door.

Granted, he's very circumspect in his media response, so as to give appearances that this choice was much more high-minded than it was, but the obviousness of the implications remains.

I just wonder if South Park can get by without Chef or with another actor supplying the voice. I am doubtful that anyone can capture the subtlety of Isaac Hayes's characterizations, so I'd almost rather see Chef dropped entirely from the roster.

Boo =O

But your post has more substance than mine... ;_; *sulks off to close his, dejected*

Let us hope that it cannot get by without Hayes.
Although he may have been compelled to quit after it hit home with Scientology, that doesn't change the content of what he said. It just brought the truth to his doorstep, where he could see what was going on.
South Park has done nothing in regards to religious people, in my experience, but subtlely preach hatred and lies against them. The show as a whole is distasteful, although I will admit that there are some funny moments.

It satirizes everything, not just religions. You really need to lighten up, man. It's a cartoon on late-night television.

I rather enjoy South Park because their humor perfectly matches my own. Not a single episode or topic of theirs has ever offended me or opposed a viewpoint of mine ;D If you are easily offended, it isn't for you. Isaac Hayes obviously can't take a joke against himself. Matt Stone & Trey Parker make fun of Jews & Mormons actively (their religions).

Chef has had a smaller role in lately so I think his absence won't disrupt things terribly.

I don't think Chef is that vital to the show, in my opinion. A nice little side character, but the central focus of the show is satire of all types of different groups. As long as it has this, I will be entertained, with our without Chef.

They should throw in another token negro just to be funny, though.

I think Stone and Parker can run with this.

They should write in something where Chef's voice changes for no reason and now he's played by a white woman. Or have his voice change every episode.

The possibilities are endless. South Park usually thrives on changes like this.

http://www.planearium2.de/bilder/charaktere-token.jpg
There can only be one Token ;D

Oh you seriously have no idea how laid back I usually am.
Almost nothing phases me.

Nonetheless, saying "oh its a cartoon on late-night television" doesn't give an adequate excuse it.
Their satire has become nothing but grotesque situations devised for it's shock value, which then gains a cult following because it is "ZOMG REBELLIOUS!!!"

EDIT:
Although really, they will manage just fine without Hayes. I am just being hopeful.

Hmm. You're both right and wrong.

I do agree that saying "oh its just a cartoon" is very wrong.
I don't agree that their satire is only shock-based.

South Park has lampooned many targets that other shows wouldn't touch with a stick. I know sometimes episodes are only based on dick and fart jokes, but there are many occasions where a legitimate political standpoint was established. They tend to only go after hypocrites.

The South Park movie receiving rave reviews from top critics should be testament to the creators' ability to make more than just immature poo humor.

I'd laugh if this were some April Fools joke.

I find it kind of odd that he quits because they make fun of scientology. That pretty much makes him a hypocrite.

I believe there can be two.

All Chef really did was make jokes about how he has sex all the time and that one episode where he made those "salty chocolate balls." South Park can easily do without.

Not really. That's like saying all Cartman did was eat Cheesy Poofs and say "respect mah athoritah."

Chef was usually the strong male moral guide and protector to the kids. Often when the white population of South Park got caught up in an issue, Chef would cut to the chase and call them out on it.

That being said, he isn't really necessary. Sometimes the kids figure out the problem on their own, sometimes the kids' dads or teachers do.

He probably got pressured from the bigwigs in the Scientology to quit over this, is my guess. They don't take lightly to anyone mocking their "religion", and make it a point to lambaste those who do.

I agree. I'm assuming they were blackmailing him into leaving the show or being screwed over by the cult.

At least it isn't a messy departure from the show.

How does that make him a hypocrite?

Since it's okay to make fun of everything else but that something he's into?

That is not hypocrisy though.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=hypocrisy

*Idle fails at :eng101:

I'm still going to hold out and call an April fool's joke.

Chef seems to have been absent for a lot of the recent episodes anyway. Heck, the last episode I really remember him being in was "Good Time With Weapons" (the one where the boys buy ninja weapons and put Butters' eye out). I'm sure he's been in episodes since then, but he's generally had so few lines and such a minor role that I didn't notice.

It's a shame Hayes would leave, especially over something so petty, but I can't see it crippling the show any. It's not the first time that South Park has lost one of its voice actors. At least this departure is far less tragic than the last one.

I agree with what Amanda said, Chef has had a diminished role in the show for a few seasons now. He used to appear in just about every episode, now it's very intermittent.

It would be nice to have a Chef leaves southpark type episode, to some how explain his absence. Maybe Mr. Durp will return? =D

That scientology episode was hilarious.

Dang, that's disappointing that he's leaving. Sure Chef hasn't been there recently, but he's a character I greatly enjoyed. Then again, I won't lose sleep over it (since I have none to lose).

I'm with IdleChill: *April Fool's Joke*

Isn't this old news?

I won't bother pointing out why South Park wasn't ever worth anyone's time, but frankly - who gives a shit? No one here cared when Maggie Roswell was fired from The Simpsons following Fox's refusal to increase her travel expenses. (She was replaced with the ostensible soundalike Marcia Mitzman Gaven, but the difference to viewers was instant and obvious.)

The next time they decide to portray the Scientology religion in a humurous light, instead of using Beck, Travolta or Cruise, I think they now would be more inclined to use Isaac Hayes, and turn him into the joke.