A new episode of the long-running US cartoon The Simpsons is set to feature a deaf actor for the first time in its 33-year history.
The episode, titled The Sound of Bleeding Gums, will see Lisa Simpson discover that the son of her musical mentor, saxophonist Bleeding Gums Murphy, was born deaf.
Lisa will help Monk, played by deaf actor John Autry II, get a cochlear implant.
The episode will also be the first time that American Sign Language (ASL) has been used on the show.
It was written by Loni Steele Sosthand, who grew up with jazz music and has a brother who was born deaf.
Autry told US media outlet Variety the episode was "part of history".
"It's life-changing equality and participation," he said.
"This can impact change for all of us. It's about hard of hearing and hearing characters coming together. It's a part of history."
The Simpsons' showrunner, Al Jean, has said the episode "makes me smile whenever I think about it".
@TheSimpsons Meet Monk Murphy voiced by @johnautryll in The Sound of Bleeding Gums, Sunday @8 An episode that makes me smile whenever I think about it. pic.twitter.com/PjmN8z9b8Q
— Al Jean (@AlJean) April 4, 2022
It comes following the success of CODA, which won Best Picture at this year's Oscars and features a cast of predominantly deaf actors.
The pioneering family drama was widely praised by members of the industry for highlighting the issues of the deaf community and giving more of a platform to its members. CODA won three Oscars on the night, including Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur. He became the first deaf male performer to win an Oscar.
ASL interpreters were used for the first time at the 94th Academy Awards on 27 March, and again at the 64th Grammy Awards a week later - two of the biggest nights in showbusiness.
The Sound of Bleeding Gums is set to air on Sunday in the US.
Source: Press Association
