"The Simpsons" Will No Longer Use White Actors to Voice Non-White Characters

They've finally made it official.

After years of controversy, The Simpsons producers have announced in a statement that the show "will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters."  

In particular, commentators have criticised the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (voiced by Hank Azaria) for being a disrespectful representation of Indian culture.

Statement from The Simpsons:

“Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters.”

— Frank Pallotta (@frankpallotta) June 26, 2020

After comedian Hari Kondabolu released a documentary called The Problem With Apu in 2017, the animated series faced even more pressure to address issues of race.

Earlier this year, Azaria revealed he'd be stepping away from the character.

"The idea that anyone, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased based on the character of Apu, it jut really makes me sad," Azaria told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show. 

He also explained to The New York Times that his decision to stop voicing the character was very personal. 

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

At this stage, producers have not confirmed which characters will be affected by the announcement. Although, it's likely to impact Azaria's other characters, Carl Carlson and policeman Lou, along with the Harry Shearer-voiced Dr. Hibbert. 

Additionally, it's not clear if the characters will be written out of the show or recast with other actors.

The Simpsons is not the only show to stop using white actors to voice Black characters. Last week, Jenny Slate revealed she will stop voicing the character of Missy on Netflix's Big Mouth. Similarly, Kristen Bell has stepped away from voicing Molly Tillerman in Apple's animated series Central Park.

Over the weekend, Mike Henry also announced his decision to stop playing Cleveland on Family Guy. 

While it's undoubtedly a step in the right direction, Kondabolu pointed out on Twitter that it shouldn't have taken The Simpsons so long.

The news comes amid a bigger cultural conversation about race and representation of non-white characters in film and television. 

Header Image: Fox