The Disney Channel has announced that it will produce its first animated sitcom entitled THE PROUD FAMILY. The series will chronicle the experiences of a 14-year-old African-American girl named Penny and her family. Co-executive producer Bruce Smith (SPACE JAM) created the series. Ralph Farquhar, co-creator of the UPN live-action comedy MOESHA, will serve as the other executive producer. The voice cast will include Kyla Pratt (LOVE & BASKETBALL) as Penny, Paula Jai Parker (THE WAYANS BROS.) as Trudy Proud and Tommy Davidson (IN LIVING COLOR) as Oscar Proud. Rich Ross, Disney Channel's general manager and executive VP programming and production, said, "This is yet another foray into the tweens market, of which the Disney Channel has become a distinct leader." This comes on the heels of the recent announcement by Toon Disney that they too are producing their first animated series based on the Disney animated feature TARZAN.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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