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

Originally Posted by Crash Landon

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.

I heard about this and I was very disappointed with the fact that they have to either have a new person voicing chef or have old chef move and bring in a new chef.

Either way, it doesn't sound too promising. Chef, Cartman and Kenny are probably the faces of the show, so losing one may cause some damage - especially since Chef is extremely popular.

Maybe if they bring in Samuel Jackson to voice a character...

Jam it back in, in the dark.