{"id":7362,"date":"2026-07-16T06:19:05","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T01:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=7362"},"modified":"2026-07-16T06:19:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T01:19:05","slug":"bruce-w-smith-ralph-farquhar-reflect-on-the-proud-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=7362","title":{"rendered":"Bruce W. Smith &#038; Ralph Farquhar Reflect On &#8216;The Proud Family&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<section class=\"ione-key-points\">\n<ul>\n<li>The show&#8217;s creators intentionally grounded the series in recognizable Black cultural moments to keep it real.<\/li>\n<li>Keeping the lead actress Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud was essential to the show&#8217;s enduring success.<\/li>\n<li>The 25-year-old franchise&#8217;s lasting impact reflects how it touched the Black community and stayed alive through fan engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.disneyplus.com\/browse\/entity-081254a4-bc7c-49cc-b027-bdf958ca4a54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder<\/a><\/strong><\/em> heads into its fourth and final season, the creative team behind the franchise is reflecting on the authentic storytelling that turned the animated series into a cultural touchstone.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"US-ENTERTAINMENT-DISNEY+-STREAMING\" class=\"wp-image-4602129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=768%2C482&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=180%2C113&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=159%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 159w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=319%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 319w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=80%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 80w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=720%2C452&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=900%2C565&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=450%2C283&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=600%2C377&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=250%2C157&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=234%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 234w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=245%2C154&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=137%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 137w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=144%2C90&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?resize=50%2C31&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: MICHAEL TRAN \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disney+ has announced that the animated revival will conclude with its fourth and final season on July 29 ahead of the franchise\u2019s 25th anniversary. The streamer also announced that <em>A Proud Family Wizmas,<\/em> a stop-motion holiday special, is set to debut later this year.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"1024\" width=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?w=691&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"Colorful animated poster for the Disney+ film &quot;The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder&quot;, featuring the main characters in a dynamic, energetic pose.\" class=\"wp-image-4602983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 2000w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=148%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 148w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=202%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 202w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=768%2C1138&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=691%2C1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 691w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=1037%2C1536&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1037w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=1382%2C2048&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1382w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=180%2C267&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=135%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 135w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=34%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 34w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=324%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 324w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=405%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 405w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=607%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 607w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=304%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 304w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=169%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 169w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=99%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 99w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=245%2C363&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=58%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 58w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539157626.jpeg?resize=144%2C213&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 691px) 100vw, 691px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder \/ Disney+<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The news comes as creators <strong>Bruce W. Smith<\/strong> and<strong> Ralph Farquhar<\/strong> have renewed their overall deal with Disney Television Animation, where they will continue developing and producing projects under their BaR Productions banner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Smith and Farquhar, <em>The Proud Family<\/em> has stood the test of time by remaining true to the community that inspired it.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think the one thing we like to do in T<em>he Proud Family <\/em>is keep it real,\u201d Farquhar told BOSSIP. \u201cIt\u2019s based on our shared experiences as Black and Brown folks. Between Bruce and our writing staff and our directors, you see it all reflected in there.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?w=683&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"Red Carpet Event For Disney+ Original Series &quot;The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder&quot; - Arrivals\" class=\"wp-image-4602130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915839756.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Tommaso Boddi \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smith echoed that sentiment, saying the creative team intentionally grounds the animated series in easily recognizable <em>(Blackity, Black<\/em>) cultural moments.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe make it a point to keep it real by having those really Black touchstones that let you know this is written from a real place,\u201d he said. \u201cEven though it\u2019s animated and fantastical, it\u2019s grounded in a way where anybody can relate to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That same creative philosophy extended beyond the stories themselves. It also shaped one of the franchise\u2019s most enduring signatures, its iconic theme song.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Performed by Solange with backing vocals from Destiny\u2019s Child, the instantly recognizable anthem has become synonymous with <em>The Proud Family<\/em>, remaining a fan favorite nearly 25 years after its debut. According to Farquhar, however, not everyone initially believed it sounded like a television theme song.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen we first heard the song and presented it to Disney, everybody wasn\u2019t quite on board right away,\u201d Farquhar recalled. \u201cOne of the quotes was, \u2018This is not a TV theme song.\u2019 Like we always do, we ignored the noise.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Smith, that skepticism only reinforced the team\u2019s confidence.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnytime we get a note that is against our instinct, we know, \u2018Oh, this is going to work really well because they don\u2019t get it,&#8217;\u201d he said. \u201cI gotta give it a shout-out. It did an amazing job and stood up to the test of time. Twenty-five years later, people are still loving it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A press release reports that season 4 of <em>The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder<\/em> finds Penny Proud facing a life-changing turning point as she embarks on unexpected adventures that test both her courage and identity. Disney says the final chapter will feature bigger action, more emotional twists, and new challenges for the Proud family as they navigate life\u2019s next phase together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series also continues with the same core cast that helped make the original Disney Channel series a cultural touchstone more than two decades ago, including Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, JoMarie Payton, Cedric the Entertainer, Karen Malina White, Soleil Moon Frye, Alisa Reyes, and Carlos Mencia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Smith, keeping Pratt in the lead role has been essential to the show\u2019s enduring success.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPenny Proud<em> is The Proud Family<\/em>. Without her, we absolutely have nothing,\u201d Smith said. \u201cKyla is such a great actress. Give her a script and let her go because she surprises us. She brings emotion and humor to the page that we wouldn\u2019t have even imagined.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"A cartoon illustration of a young woman with dark hair wearing sunglasses and a red jacket, standing in a school hallway.\" class=\"wp-image-4602981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1920w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1536w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=180%2C101&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=140%2C80&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 140w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=70%2C40&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 70w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=178%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 178w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=356%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 356w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=89%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 89w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=720%2C405&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=900%2C506&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=1200%2C675&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=450%2C253&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=600%2C338&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=250%2C141&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=261%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 261w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=245%2C138&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=153%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=144%2C81&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841538881548.jpeg?resize=50%2C28&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder \/ Disney+<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fourth season also welcomes an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey, Romany Malco, Lorraine Toussaint, Kym Whitley, Adele Givens, Ali Wong, Lashana Lynch and Dee Nasty, alongside returning recurring players Anthony Anderson and Tiffany Haddish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for <em>A Proud Family Wizmas<\/em>, the holiday special features six original songs composed by longtime collaborator Kurt Farquhar and is produced by Disney Television Animation in partnership with Portland-based stop-motion studio HouseSpecial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The festive special also boasts an all-star comedic cast, with Earthquake, Affion Crockett, Luenell, Lil Rel Howery, and Karlous Miller lending their voices as Santa\u2019s elves. Rounding out the North Pole crew, J.B. Smoove stars as St. Nick himself in what creator Bruce W. Smith describes as a \u201cwild and wacky\u201d yet deeply heartfelt Christmas adventure.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s gonna be a wild Wizmas,\u201d his partner in crime, Ralph Farquhar, teased.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"A group of cheerful Christmas elves and Santa Claus riding a sleigh against a starry night sky.\" class=\"wp-image-4602984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1920w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1536w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=180%2C101&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=140%2C80&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 140w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=70%2C40&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 70w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=178%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 178w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=356%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 356w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=89%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 89w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=720%2C405&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=900%2C506&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=1200%2C675&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 1200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=450%2C253&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=600%2C338&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=250%2C141&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=261%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 261w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=245%2C138&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=153%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=144%2C81&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17841539257418.jpeg?resize=50%2C28&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder \/ Disney+<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, as <em>The Proud Family<\/em> approaches its milestone 25th anniversary, Bruce W. Smith is reflecting on the show\u2019s enduring legacy and the lasting impact he and Ralph Farquhar have had on generations of viewers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe fact that we\u2019re still talking about it 25 years later and still contributing to the Black experience\u2026 that\u2019s something I wouldn\u2019t have even imagined,\u201d Smith told BOSSIP. \u201cThe show stayed alive because people remembered it, quoted it, and kept it alive through fan art and social media. That\u2019s how you know you\u2019ve touched something in your community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All three seasons of <em>The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder<\/em>, along with the original <em>The Proud Family<\/em>, are now streaming on Disney+.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fourth and final season of <em>The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder<\/em> premieres July 29.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"\/>\n<aside id=\"ione-ve-expanded\" class=\"ione-ve\">\n<\/aside><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The show&#8217;s creators intentionally grounded the series in recognizable Black cultural moments to keep it real. Keeping the lead actress Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud was essential to the show&#8217;s enduring success. The 25-year-old franchise&#8217;s lasting impact reflects how it touched the Black community and stayed alive through fan engagement. As The Proud Family: Louder&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7363,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17839915786969.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=1024&crop=0,0,100,643px","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7362"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7362\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}