Has there been a more exciting, more controversial or more polarizing television show in recent memory than “The Boondocks?” Probably not. The animated brainchild of Aaron McGruder has continued to generate tremendous watercooler chatter across the nation as viewers often asked: “Wow, did you see that episode of “The Boondocks?” … Yeah, they took it there.”
One of the main instigators in the “Boondocks” madness is the hilariously racist Uncle Ruckus, played by Gary Anthony Williams. The veteran actor sat down with rolling out to share some of the insider secrets from the show following the conclusion of its successful third season.
How would you rate season three?
Everything was higher this year. The numbers were higher, the ratings were higher … everything. We had some really funny episodes this season. I loved what we did this season — especially with my character, because I really got the chance to do some crazy s—.
Everyone wants to know if the Uncle Ruckus character is based on a real person. Is he based on someone you knew?
Well, Aaron McGruder created Uncle Ruckus, but he kind of let me help shape him. I grew up in the South … I’m from Fayetteville, Ga., and there were a lot of African American men who used to come around who were friends of my daddy that were just wrong in the things that they used to say. They would be really racist—not just against white folks, but against other black folks. I used things that I picked up from them to help bring Uncle Ruckus to life
Do you think the show goes too far? Is there a line that you won’t cross?
If there is a line, I have not seen it. I’m not there in the writing sessions all that often, but definitely when we’re in the studio recording it, there is never a line. Aaron will let you say whatever you want to say to add to the words that he’s already written. I have never heard him say, ‘nah, don’t say that.’ If anything, we’re working to see how far we can push it.
What do you say to those who question the show’s value?
Everybody’s going to have [an] opinion, but there is a lot of social relevance to this show. The show won a Peabody Award, and they are not just giving those out to people who are doing buffoonery. There is some real substance to the show. And if you can get that substance while getting some laughs, then that is a good thing. So I respect when people express their negative opinions about the show, but I think they’re f—–g idiots.
Season three of “The Boodocks” is currently on DVD. Let’s check out what celebrities had to say about the show. –djr
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