Since the inception of The Boondocks one of the most polarizing (and hilarious) characters in the strip and on the show has been the curmudgeon Uncle Ruckus.
Voiced by actor Gary Anthony Williams (Boston Legal, Malcolm In The Middle) there is no end to how offensive this ornery school janitor can be. With the third and final season airing this weekend, The UrbanDaily.com caught up with the man behind the most racist Black man ever, and were even granted a few minutes with Uncle Ruckus himself to discuss politics, movies and fried chicken.
TUD: How did you get the role doing the voice of Uncle Ruckus on The Boondocks?
Gary Anthony Williams: I was always a fan of The Boondocks in the papers. In fact I had all of the books and my agent said there was an audition for the Boondocks. I said I want to audition for every male character on the show. Then I slept around with a bunch of people to make sure I got the job. That’s how I nailed my position…
Literally…
Yes, Litcharilly (laughs) I auditioned for Huey, Riley, Grandpa, Tom and Uncle Ruckus. I’m from the south and I grew up with a bunch of southerners and friends of my daddy. And I think they realized that I knew that self-hatred that comes with Uncle Ruckus. I’ve seen those dudes walking around where I’m from.
Aaron McGruder is great at pushing buttons, so what will the controversy be this season?
Well there was a BET episode that didn’t get to air last season. There is another one [this season] I’m a little afraid won’t air. It’s about a very popular African-American icon who makes movies. I’m a little afraid that it will never see the light of day because he’s almost as powerful as Oprah Winfrey. I’m hoping it will show up. I love the episode.
I was curious about the BET episode because Reggie Hudlin was one of the producers on The Boondocks but was being lampooned in that BET episode…
These are things that I can’t speak of legally. Nobody has told me that I can’t, but I’m not an idiot. I know better [Laughs].
It sounds like it’s going to be a great season. Are you sad to see it go?
I’m extremely sad to see it go. I think it’s hilarious and I think it’s got social importance. I love doing it and since I don’t use the word “n*gger” in my private life I’m gonna miss using that word. I don’t know how I’m gonna get by without just calling people “n*gger!” There have been rumors of a film but those are just rumors. I am going to have some plastice surgery though so I look just like Uncle Ruckus.
You should tour as Uncle Ruckus. Folks would pay to see that.
There was one time during a political campaign and Aaron had the idea to send me to these rallies dressed as Uncle Ruckus and take the stage.
Well let’s hear what Uncle Ruckus has to say about the next election. That may or may not be a good idea…
