'Hamilton' star Emmy Raver-Lampman to replace Kristen Bell as biracial 'Central Park' character

"Central Park" has found its replacement for Kristen Bell, who stepped down from voicing a biracial cartoon character on the show last month.

The show's creative team – Loren Bouchard, Josh Gad, Nora Smith, Halsted Sullivan and Sanjay Shah – announced in a joint statement on Gad's Instagram Friday that Bell's character Molly will now be voiced by Emmy Raver-Lampman.

"After an extensive casting process that brought a number of incredible contenders to the forefront of our Molly search, we could not be more thrilled, honored, and certain that we have found the perfect marriage of character to voice in the amazing Emmy Raver-Lampman," they wrote.

Raver-Lampman was previously an ensemble member in the original Broadway cast of "Hamilton" before going on to star as Angelica Schuyler in a touring production of the musical. She also starred in the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy."

"From the moment we heard her Molly, we knew she was the right choice," the creatives continued. "Her comedic chops, endearing spirit and other-worldly singing prowess have us jumping with joy at the possibilities of this already wonderful character moving forward."

The team also praised Bell for her turn as Molly in the show's first season, which premiered on the streaming service Apple TV+ this year.

"Our gratitude for and thanks to Kristen Bell and the fantastic work she did in season 1 can never be overstated," they wrote. "And as we look for new ways to utilize Kristen's vocal talents moving forward, we are forever grateful for her support, her camaraderie, and most importantly her beautiful performance as Molly Tillerman in season 1."

Bell also shared the casting news on her Instagram Friday, writing that she was "brimming with excitement" for Raver-Lampman.

"Emmy's infectious charm and sheer aptitude will breathe a new and effervescent life into the character. One that Molly definitely deserves," Bell wrote. "I have been a fan of (Emmy's) work for a while, and am lucky to now call her a friend. Can’t wait to see you in the park, Emmy."

Raver-Lampman wrote on her Instagram that the creatives and Bell have welcomed her with "such open arms, support and endless enthusiasm."

"My face hurts from smiling so much!" she added.

Raver-Lampman also gave her thoughts on representation and what she believes she can bring to the character.

"Representation is vital and broadens our ability to tell stories," she wrote. "I know I have some massive shoes to fill, but I only hope that my lived experience will enrich Molly’s story and make her even more lovable than she already is."

Bell was one of several white actors last month to step down from voicing non-white cartoon characters.

"This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity," Bell wrote on Instagram on June 24. "Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience."

She continued: "It was wrong and we, on the Central Park team, are pledging to make it right. I am happy to relinquish this role to someone who can give a much more accurate portrayal and I will commit to learning, growing and doing my part for equality and inclusion."

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Bell also shared a statement saying that everyone at "Central Park" is committed to creating opportunities for people of color in all roles across all projects.

Last month, Jenny Slate of "Big Mouth" and Mike Henry of "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show" also gave up their parts, and a Fox representative confirmed to USA TODAY that, moving forward, "The Simpsons" will no longer have white actors voicing non-white characters.

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Gad, Bell and Raver-Lampman for further comment.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Hamilton' star recast in Kristen Bell's biracial 'Central Park' role