Hank Azaria Won’t Voice Apu on "The Simpsons" Any Longer

His stepping down was a lengthy process. 

We've known for quite some time that Apu's days on The Simpsons might be numbered. In October 2018, Indian-American producer Adi Shankar told IndieWire that the series planned to write Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (voiced by Hank Azaria) out after South Asian commentators criticised the character for being a disrespectful representation of Indian culture. 

Discussion surrounding Apu emerged after comedian Hari Kondabulu released his documentary The Problem With Apu in 2017, which tackled the inaccuracies of the Indian character voiced by a "white guy". 

Back then, Azaria voiced his concerns to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, saying he was upset that people could have been bullied because of the character. 

"The idea that anyone, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased based on the character of Apu, it just really makes me sad," he said, adding that he'd willingly step aside from the role if necessary. 

Then, in January 2020, Azaria confirmed that he would no longer be voicing Apu on the long-running show. Now, he's spoken out about how he reached his decision.

In an interview with The New York Times, Azaria said it was an extremely personal choice. 

"Once I realised that that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn't want to participate in it anymore," he explained. 

"It just didn't feel right."

He also told the publication that he based the character on the 1968 Blake Edwards comedy The Party, in which Peter Sellers wore brownface to play an Indian actor.

"That represents a real blind spot I had," he said.

"There I am, joyfully basing a character on what was already considered quite upsetting."

While The Simpsons producers have been hesitant to address the controversy surrounding Apu, they did say that they respect Azaria's decision to step away from the role.

"We respect Hank's journey in regard to Apu. We have granted his wish to no longer voice the character". 

Additionally, they suggested in a statement that the character might not be written off after all: "Apu is beloved worldwide. We love him too. Stay tuned."

The Emmy-winning actor had voiced the obliging Indian immigrant and Kwik-E-Mart convenience store owner since the character was created in 1990.

It appears Azaria doesn't hold any ill feelings towards the show. 

"I have tremendous pride in doing this show. And the character of Apu was done with love and pride and the best of intentions. My message is, things can be done with really good intentions and have negative consequences."

Header Image: Fox