Hank Azaria Won't Voice Apu's Character on The Simpsons Anymore
While actor Hank Azaria has performed the voice of the Indian convenience store owner since the character was created in 1990, it recently under a lot of fire accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes.
One of the most popular and controversial characters from The Simpsons , Apu Nahasapeemapetilon will no longer be voiced by actor Hank Azaria. The actor said he is stepping down from the role, following years of controversy. While actor Hank Azaria has performed the voice of the Indian convenience store owner since the character was created in 1990, it recently under a lot of fire accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes. We are yet to learn if Apu's character will now get a new voice. J. Michael Mendel No More; The Producer of ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Rick and Morty’ Dies at 54.
Azaria spoke to Slashfilm said, "All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore unless there’s [some way] to transition it or something." He further added saying, "We all made the decision together... We all agreed on it. We all feel like it's the right thing and good about it."
In reaction to the growing controversy around the character, Azaria had said two years ago that he found the situation “upsetting” and that the documentary gave the show “a lot of things to think about.” Also later, Azaria said in an interview with Stephen Colbert that he would be “perfectly willing and happy to step aside” from the character or help transition it into something new.”
Reacting to reports that Azaria had stepped down, Hari Kondabolu said he hoped the character remained in the show and that "a very talented writing staff do something interesting with him." He tweeted saying, "If @HankAzaria is indeed no longer doing the voice of Apu, I do hope they keep the character & let a very talented writing staff do something interesting with him. If not to better the show, then to atleast spare me some death threats."
Check Out Hari Kondabolu's Tweet Here:
He further added saying, "My documentary “The Problem with Apu” was not made to get rid of a dated cartoon character, but to discuss race, representation & my community (which I love very much). It was also about how you can love something (like the Simpsons) & still be critical about aspects of it."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2020 11:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).