Written by Robert Scocchi | Updated
South Park It’s gone through countless stylistic changes and creative cycles since 1997, which is par for the course for any long-running animated sitcom. Advances in technology have allowed for faster and smoother animation, and voice talent has come and gone as actors move on to other projects.
Isaac Hayes left the series in 2006 after suffering a stroke (although that’s not what Scientologists want you to believe!), and Trey Parker’s daughter would occasionally jump in the booth to record Ike Broflovski’s more vulgar moments. Even more tragically, the third season concludes with very few female characters due to the untimely death of Mary Kay Bergman, who died by suicide mid-flight.
A woman with many voices
A powerhouse of talent, Bergman was the voice behind Wendy Testaberger, Sharon Marsh, Sheila Broflovski, Leanne Cartman, Carol McCormick, Shelley Marsh, Principal Victoria, Mayor McDaniels, Mrs. Crabtree, Nurse Gollum, and countless additional characters during her tenure. If you heard a female voice in the first three seasons South ParkBergman will likely be in the cabin. To work on South Park: Bigger, longer, and uncutShe received an Annie Award nomination for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Voice Acting for her ability to voice nine separate characters in the song “Blame Canada.”
In the midst of a silent battle with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as insomnia, myalgia, and nausea, at the height of her professional success, Mary Kay Bergman left the world in her own hands, leaving a void that will be impossible to fill. Parker and Stone, devastated by the loss of their friend, felt it would be a bad taste to taste new voice talent in the middle of the season. They still had to complete Season 3 and decided the best course of action was to limit the number of female characters for the remainder of the run.
Talent transfer
The last episode to fully feature Bergman’s voice was “Starvin’ Marvin in Space”. From there, Parker and Stone went back to the drawing board, sad but contractually obligated to finish the season. The next episode, “The Red Badge of Gayness”, includes minimal female parts, both voiced by Parker himself, while Kenny’s mother Carol appears on screen but says nothing.
This season’s Christmas special, “Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics,” officially marks the last time Bergman’s voice will be heard on the series, thanks to her parts being taped months earlier. Her performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” closes the episode as a subtle but heartfelt tribute, bringing together many of her characters in a bittersweet farewell. The show’s final two episodes, “Are You There, Jesus? It’s Me, Jesus” and “World Recorders Concert,” feature Eliza Schneider and Mona Marshall stepping in to help bridge the gap. However, it was clear that no artist could replace Bergman.
To this day, Mona Marshall is still with the series, which is a testament to Parker and Stone’s loyalty to their team. Given that loyalty, it’s heartbreaking to think that, had she lived, Mary Kay Bergman would surely have been a part of South Park all these years later.
South Park It is streaming on Paramount+.
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