Since it first aired in 1997, South Park has become one of the longest-running animated series, alongside other well-known shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy. The series is famous for its over-the-top satire, profanity, and humorous parodies of celebrities. Its success is largely due to the dynamic and colorful characters living in the small town of South Park, Colorado.
The show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, voice many of these characters, but Parker stands out for bringing some of the most memorable figures to life. Notable characters voiced by Parker include Randy Marsh, Mr. Garrison, and Satan. This article explores the top 10 characters voiced by Trey Parker in South Park, highlighting the impact they have had on the series.
10. Mr. Mackey
Mr. Mackey serves as the guidance counselor at South Park Elementary. Known for his distinctive “M-kay” catchphrase, he is a soft-spoken and cautious character. Despite his mild demeanor, Mr. Mackey has occasional bursts of unexpected assertiveness.
One of the original characters, he first appeared in Season 1, Episode 9, titled “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo.” The character’s voice and mannerisms were inspired by Trey Parker’s actual school guidance counselor, Mr. Lackey, who was known for often telling Parker to focus on his studies followed by “M-kay.” Mr. Mackey’s blend of timidity and surprising boldness makes him a compelling character in the show.
9. Satan
In South Park, Satan is shown as an all-powerful being who often intimidates others. Unlike traditional depictions, he sometimes displays a softer, more sympathetic side. This portrayal makes him more humorous rather than purely malevolent. While many might think of Satan as an antagonist, his schemes are generally harmless and comical.
Satan’s first appearance was in Season 1, Episode 10, “Damien.” In this episode, he faces off against Jesus Christ in a pay-per-view boxing match. Although he was one of the last characters created by Parker and Stone, he was redesigned and reintroduced in Season 18, Episode 6, “Freemium Isn’t Free.”
8. Stan Marsh
Stan Marsh stands out as the most rational and level-headed among his friends. Often, he shows more maturity than his father, Randy. Recognizable by his red poof ball hat, Stan was first known for his iconic catchphrase, “Oh my God! They Killed Kenny,” and his difficulty speaking to his girlfriend, Wendy, without becoming sick.
Stan is inspired by Trey Parker himself and shares the same straightforward attitude. He is unafraid to speak his mind and often calls out Cartman on his nonsense. Unlike others who follow trends, Stan prefers to follow his own path, reflecting his independent and outspoken nature.
7. Mr. Hankey
Mr. Hankey is a cheerful character mimicking traditional holiday figures like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Making his debut in Season 1, Episode 9, titled “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo,” he quickly became the unorthodox yet beloved holiday mascot of South Park.
Trey Parker’s father imagined Mr. Hankey as a way to teach young Parker about the importance of flushing the toilet. According to Parker, his father would say that if he failed to flush, Mr. Hankey would come. This childhood story evolved into a unique and humorous character for the show, adding a quirky twist to holiday episodes.
Mr. Hankey’s presence brings a mix of humor and festive spirit to South Park, making him a memorable and endearing character in the series.
6. Sergeant Harrison Yates
Sergeant Harrison Yates is the head of the Park County Police. He initially appeared in Season 7, Episode 9, “Christian Rock Hard.” However, he didn’t get a proper introduction until Season 8, Episode 6, “The Jeffersons.” As a police officer, Yates is very committed to his job, believing he enforces the law righteously. Yet his actions often create more chaos than calm.
His misguided approach has him wrongly targeting affluent Black men and even posing undercover as a sex worker named Yolanda. The detective and his ineffective police tactics were designed to take the place of Officer Barbrady, a character that Trey Parker felt had lost relevance in the later seasons.
5. PC Principal
In season 19, Principal Victoria is replaced by PC Principal, who is committed to bringing a new, progressive agenda to South Park. PC Principal addresses social issues with a strong hand and stands up for equal rights. Despite his progressive mission, he displays typical toxic male behaviors such as heavy drinking, partying with fraternity members, and intense workouts.
PC Principal was initially intended to appear only once and be killed off by the end of Season 19, Episode 1, “Stunning and Brave.” However, the creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, were so pleased with the character that they made him a recurring part of the show. Fans originally thought his name meant “politically correct.” It was later revealed in Season 23, Episode 7, “Board Girls,” that his real name is Peter Charles.
4. Mr. Herbert Garrison
Mr. Herbert Garrison, a teacher at South Park Elementary, is known for his cynical and foul-mouthed demeanor. Originally, he stood out because of his eccentricity and the use of a hand puppet named Mr. Hat as his assistant. Inspired by Trey Parker’s actual kindergarten teacher who used a similar puppet, Garrison’s character adds a unique flavor to the show.
Garrison first appeared in the very first episode and has gone through many dramatic changes related to his sexual identity and lifestyle. Despite his support for progressive actions, he frequently contradicts himself with racist and discriminatory views, creating a comically paradoxical character.
3. Officer Barbrady
Officer Barbrady initially served as the chief police officer in South Park. Although not the most intelligent character, he is well-meaning and his goofy nature quickly made him a beloved figure. Known for his catchphrase, “Move along, move along, people, nothing to see here,” Officer Barbrady provided a mix of humor and misguided wisdom that the boys often misunderstood.
Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone mentioned in a Season 1 commentary that Barbrady was inspired by radio host Dennis Prager, whom they enjoyed parodying for his “big, bombastic, stupid voice.” Despite his flaws, Barbrady’s simplicity and good intentions have kept him memorable for fans.
2. Randy Marsh
Randy Marsh, the father of Stan, often finds himself in as much trouble as the children of South Park. Known for his over-the-top antics, Randy’s character takes on many wild personas, including the famous singer Lorde. One of his most memorable schemes involved uprooting his entire family to start a marijuana farm in the countryside.
Trey Parker, who voices Randy, has a special connection to the character. Randy is based on Parker’s own father, making the role both personal and entertaining for him. Parker has mentioned that voicing Randy has become easier over time, requiring less effort than it once did. The character’s unpredictable nature keeps fans engaged and always guessing what Randy will do next.
1. Eric Cartman (Voiced by Trey Parker)
Eric Cartman stands out as an entitled, spoiled kid who instantly became a fan favorite. His iconic phrases like “Respect my authoritah!” and “Screw you, guys, I’m going home” quickly became part of popular culture. Differing from his friends, Cartman nearly lacks a moral compass and rarely feels guilt for his actions. His behaviors range from kidnapping Butters to secure a trip to Casa Bonita, to the extreme act of cooking Scott Tenorman’s parents into chili.
Cartman’s character was partially inspired by Archie Bunker from All in the Family, known for his conservative opinions and unfiltered speech. While Archie Bunker would not go to the extremes that Cartman does, the resemblance between the two is noticeable. Both characters share a blunt approach and offer sharp commentary on social issues, though Cartman takes his antics to far more outrageous lengths.
