After hearing about the 28,000 layoffs that were coming for the Walt Disney Company, our hearts broke knowing how many Cast Members would no longer be making magic. Entertainment at Disney World specifically has taken a major hit, and it seems that more performers, including those at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, are sadly no longer going to be putting a smile on our faces as we enter the theme parks.
The Citizens of Hollywood are the fun streetmosphere characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They have been at Hollywood Studios making us laugh on Sunset Boulevard, almost since the park’s inception, and they are now gone. We have just heard news that the Citizens of Hollywood are another group of performers who will be laid off from the Walt Disney Company.
Disney has not shared if or when the Citizens of Hollywood will return in the future.
The Citizens of Hollywood have taken to their official Facebook page to announce and sadly confirm these layoffs:
The next round of layoffs is happening, and unfortunately at this point, some of the Citizens have been let go. We do not know if it is the whole cast, or what will happen to the Citizens in the future. We will keep you updated on anything hear.
In the comments, please share what the Citizens have meant to you, and join us in giving a round of applause to the amazing cast.
The next round of layoffs is happening, and unfortunately at this point, some of the Citizens have been let go. We do…
Posted by Disney's Hollywood Studios Citizens of Hollywood on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Brenna Wolfern took to Instagram to thank a fantastic Citizen of Hollywood, Juan Scenario, for his hilarity over the years:
Gee thanks 2020. Took loved ones, friends, our normal way of life, wreck my sanity, brought in a reign of terror to a certain aspect of my life, and now…….NOW you’re taking away what does make us all laugh and smile.
Juan Scenario. Thank you for years of laughs. Thank you for making us normal folks have our troubles melt away while listening to jokes, bad songs, etc.
All of the citizens make the Hollywood Studios what they are and I can’t even wrap my head around this.So thank you all you mask-holes who refuse to wear masks, social distance, or stay your asses at home because you feel “entitled and it’s against your rights”. Well congrats. While you selfishly do whatever the hell you want, folks are losing their jobs. Laughter is being silenced. Stages are going dark. Forever. Art is being taken away from us.
Wear the damn mask!!!!! ? ??
More Disney Guests and fans of the Citizens are speaking out on Twitter as well. Mateo writes “Not the Citizens of Hollywood… please, not them too,” acknowledging that Disney World has had many recent cuts when it comes to their entertainment.
Not the Citizens of Hollywood… please, not them too
— Mateo (@_justmateo_) October 27, 2020
Belle commented, “Christmas just won’t be the same at Hollywood Studios.” With a video of the Citizens of Hollywood singing Christmas carols, making ‘O Christmas Tree’ a comedy.
Christmas just won’t be the same at Hollywood Studios https://t.co/raypio2TOS
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) October 27, 2020
Bindman Art said:
The layoffs are hitting long time Equity Actors tonight. I hate this. The Disney parks have been soul-less without the shows and live entertainment on every corner.
And we hate to admit it, but taking away the performers from Disney, the people who made each visit so unique and special, does leave us missing some of the magic.
The layoffs are hitting long time Equity Actors tonight. I hate this. The Disney parks have been soul-less without the shows and live entertainment on every corner.
— Bindman Art (@BBindman) October 27, 2020
Disney World has undergone quite a few entertainment losses this year, and the Citizens of Hollywood is another stinging consequence of the pandemic’s effects. When it comes to live performers, the Dapper Dans at Magic Kingdom have survived the layoffs.
All of us at Inside the Magic are thinking about the amazing times had by the streetmosphere provided by Citizens of Hollywood, and how much joy they have brought to our visits.
What is a fun memory you have of the Citizens of Hollywood? Share it with us in the comments.
Click here for a list of ways to help Disney Cast Members during this time.