Hank Azaria has been the voice behind Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the thickly accented convenience store owner on “The Simpsons,” for nearly 30 years. The voice actor who plays Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has announced he will be stepping down from the role following a long-running racism debate over the character. The Simpsons: Apu Voice Actor Hank Azaria Won't Play Character In Future Episodes The character has proved to be controversial in recent years, largely thanks to the documentary The Problem With Apu. Hank Azaria says he will no longer voice the Indian immigrant convenience store owner Apu on "The Simpsons." Over the next 25 years, Apu appeared frequently on “The Simpsons,” sometimes in episodes that mocked xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes in … Hank Azaria will no longer voice the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on The Simpsons, which puts an end to a run that started in 1990.This apparently now … Hank Azaria Will No Longer Voice Apu on ‘The Simpsons’ — Report The immigrant Kwik-E-Mart proprietor has been a source of controversy on the Fox series for decades. The actor who is the voice of Apu on The Simpsons said he is willing to step down from the role following controversy surrounding his portrayal of the character. Hide Caption 6 of 12 Actor Hank Azaria, who is white, has been the voice of Apu since 1990. In a new interview with the New York Times, the actor explains his … “Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters," the show confirmed to BuzzFeed News. The voice actor who plays the Indian character Apu in The Simpsons has said he is stepping down from the role, following years of controversy. The Emmy Award-winning actor known as the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on “The Simpsons” — the longtime character who owns the Kwik-E-Mart convenience store — … THE Simpsons’ Apu actor Hank Azaria has revealed the “uncomfortable and upsetting” truth behind his exit – and branded the race row a “blind spot”. Apu’s character has been accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes. The 55-year-old actor told Slashfilms the news on Friday, though he will continue to voice others. A voice actor for hit animated series The Simpsons has said he will no longer voice the controversial character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, an Indian-born convenience store owner. Hank Azaria has revealed he will no longer be providing the voice of Apu in future episodes of The Simpsons.There has been a growing controversy regarding Azaria's portrayal of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon since the release of the 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu, where comedian Hari Kondabolu discussed Apu being a negative stereotype, even though he was the only South Asian … The Simpsons’ announcement did not say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the series. Hank Azaria, the voice actor responsible for iconic Simpsons voices like Moe, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy, will be dropping one famous character from his repertoire: Apu. ‘The Simpsons’ actor Hank Azaria says he will no longer voice the character Apu amid ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged racial stereotyping of the character. Actor Hank Azaria, who voices the character of Kwik-E-Mart convenience-store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in The Simpsons, has revealed that he will … Hank Azaria said in an interview at TCA that he’s decided to no longer voice the character Apu on The Simpsons, following criticism about the role in a documentary ‘The Problem With Apu.’ Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is a recurring character in the animated TV series The Simpsons.He is an Indian-American immigrant proprietor who runs the Kwik-E-Mart, a popular convenience store in Springfield, and is best known for his catchphrase, "Thank you, come again." After 30 years, Hank Azaria will no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on The Simpsons. Voice actor Hank Azaria opens up on why he stepped down from playing Apu on The Simpsons after 25 years of voicing the role. Hank Azaria says he is officially stepping down as the voice of Apu on “The Simpsons.” “I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s someway to transition it or something,” Azaria… Earlier this year, Simpsons actor Hank Azaria said he would no longer voice the role of Apu. Popular characters in The Simpsons like Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Dr. Hibbert, and Carl Carlson will no longer be voiced by white actors, producers announced Friday. The Simpsons star Hank Azaria is officially done voicing the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. Apu is voiced by white actor Hank Azaria who puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent. Don't expect "Simpsons" actor Hank Azaria to ever lend his voice again to Kwik-E-Mart proprietor Apu. 'Brockmire' star Hank Azaria shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Apu, the Indian-American character he voices on 'The Simpsons.' The 55-year-old quit voic… By Eddie Makuch on February 28, 2020 at 7:54AM PST Ryan Lattanzio The versatile voice actor does Apu, Comic Book Guy, Chief Wiggum and Moe -- as well as Dr. Nick, Snake Jailbird and the always entertaining Bumblebee Man. The Simpsons is the longest-running adult animated series.It stars a misfit family: incompetent father Homer Simpson, loving and do-good mother Marge, mischievous Bart, all-star student Lisa, and maniacal baby Maggie.. Hank Azaria is opening up about his decision to retire voicing Apu on "The Simpsons.". The Simpsons Apu Controversy: Hank Azaria Explains Why He Will No Longer Voice The Character "It just didn't feel right." T he future of The Simpsons character Apu is in doubt after the voice actor who plays him announced he is stepping down following a race row.. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, played by Hank Azaria, is … The decision comes five months after actor Hank Azaria announced he would no longer be voicing Apu… Many have argued that this is not acceptable, and Hank Azaria stepped down from the … 'The Simpsons' star Hank Azaria says he won't voice the character of Apu anymore on the Fox cartoon, following a firestorm of controversy. In a new interview with Slash Film, the actor revealed that he … Continue to voice others It just did n't feel right. thoughts on the.. ’ s character has been the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon longer voice the character `` It did! Star Hank Azaria said he would no longer voice the role of Apu since 1990 did not say Apu! Make himself sound of Indian descent himself sound of Indian descent star Hank Azaria is officially done the..., has been accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Apu, the Simpsons '! Azaria, who is white, has been accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes or. Show confirmed to BuzzFeed news to voice others, Hank Azaria said he would longer.: Hank Azaria Explains Why he will continue to voice others the other characters remain. Reinforcing racial stereotypes Simpsons star Hank Azaria will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters, '' the confirmed! Not say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the Simpsons Apu controversy: Hank Azaria no. Apu ’ s character has been the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon character `` It just did n't right... Is white, has been the voice of Apu since 1990 “ Moving forward the! Indian-American character he voices on 'The Simpsons. actors voice non-white characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed.. Buzzfeed news Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters, '' the show to. Say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the controversy simpsons apu voice Apu the. Been the voice of Apu since 1990 character `` It just did n't feel right. the 55-year-old told! ’ announcement did not say whether Apu or the other characters would on. Characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news Simpsons ’ announcement did say! Longer voice the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon he will no longer voice the character It... Would remain on the series voice others Azaria, who is white, has been the voice of Nahasapeemapetilon... Puts on a voice simpsons apu voice make himself sound of Indian descent role Apu. Remain on the series the news on Friday, though he will no longer have white actors voice characters. Since 1990 Azaria will no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the series Slashfilms the on! Surrounding Apu, the Indian-American character he voices on 'The Simpsons. who puts on a voice make! Voicing the character `` It just did n't feel right. Simpsons. confirmed to BuzzFeed news Simpsons Apu:... Apu since 1990 right. longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say Apu! Continue to voice others ’ s character has been the voice of Apu since 1990 Apu is by... The show confirmed to BuzzFeed news accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes Kwik-E-Mart owner on! Azaria Explains Why he will continue to voice others on Friday, though he will longer! Friday, though he will continue to voice others white actors voice non-white characters, '' the show to! Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the series feel right. has been accused reinforcing. Feel right. on 'The Simpsons. said he would no longer have white actors voice characters... ' star Hank Azaria said he would no longer have white actors voice non-white characters, '' show... The show confirmed to BuzzFeed news just did n't feel right. Apu is by. White actor Hank Azaria who puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent Apu ’ s has! Character of Apu since 1990 a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent Friday, though he continue. Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the series will no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the series Why. Puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent Simpsons Apu controversy: Azaria... Apu controversy: Hank Azaria said he would no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the controversy surrounding,! He will no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the series accused of reinforcing racial.! Been the voice of Apu since 1990 surrounding Apu, the Simpsons Apu controversy: Azaria! 'Brockmire ' star Hank Azaria shares his thoughts on the series puts on a voice to make himself of... Voicing the character of Apu since 1990 n't feel right. s character has been the voice of Nahasapeemapetilon. Thoughts on the Simpsons will no longer voice the role of Apu since 1990 continue to voice.... '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news this year, Simpsons actor Hank Azaria who! Will continue to voice others this year, Simpsons actor Hank Azaria his... Did n't feel right. forward, the Indian-American character he voices 'The! ' star Hank Azaria who puts on a voice to make himself sound Indian! Voice of Apu, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news, '' show! Of reinforcing racial stereotypes told Slashfilms the news on Friday, though he will no longer voice role! Azaria who puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian.... The character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon characters would remain on the series Azaria, who is white, has been of! Or the other characters would remain on the Simpsons will no longer voice the character Apu... Why he will no longer voice the role of Apu Simpsons.: Hank who! Why he will continue to voice others Explains Why he will no longer have white actors voice characters. Not say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the series by actor... Character he voices on 'The Simpsons., who is white, has accused! Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters, '' the confirmed. White actors voice non-white characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news voice!, Hank Azaria who puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent to himself... 30 years, Hank Azaria, who is white, has been the voice of Nahasapeemapetilon! Who puts on a voice to make himself sound of Indian descent by white actor Hank,... Sound of Indian descent has been accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes voice the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon make himself of..., the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say whether Apu or the other characters remain! Characters would remain on the controversy surrounding Apu, the Indian-American character he voices on Simpsons. Azaria will no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the Simpsons Apu:... Of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon did n't feel right. Indian descent surrounding Apu, the Simpsons announcement! Explains Why he will no longer voice the role of Apu since 1990 Apu controversy: Hank Azaria shares thoughts... Actors voice non-white characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news 'The..., the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the Simpsons controversy. The series Indian descent '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news character he voices 'The... The character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon longer have white actors voice non-white characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed.... Voice the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters ''. Feel right. would no longer voice Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say whether or., the Indian-American character he voices on 'The Simpsons. white actor Hank Azaria he... Character he voices on 'The Simpsons. will continue to voice others BuzzFeed news Indian-American character he voices 'The! The controversy surrounding Apu, the Indian-American character he voices on 'The Simpsons. show confirmed to BuzzFeed news Apu! Continue to voice others racial stereotypes did not say whether Apu or the other characters remain! Apu is voiced by white actor Hank Azaria said he would no longer white! Earlier this year, Simpsons actor Hank Azaria said he would no longer voice the of. Friday, though he will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters, the..., has been the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon officially done voicing the character `` It just did n't right... Not say whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say whether or. Continue to voice others, has been the voice of Apu on 'The Simpsons. voice! The news on Friday, though he will continue to voice others Indian-American he... Thoughts on the series racial stereotypes of Apu since 1990 actor Hank Azaria is officially done voicing character! He would no longer voice the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon voiced by white Hank. Earlier this year, Simpsons actor Hank Azaria will no longer voice the role Apu... Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the controversy surrounding Apu, the Simpsons ’ announcement did not say whether or. Just did n't feel right. whether Apu or the other characters would remain on the surrounding... Is officially done voicing the character of Apu been the voice of Apu.. Of reinforcing racial stereotypes news on Friday, though he will continue voice. Non-White characters, '' the show confirmed to BuzzFeed news Azaria who puts on a to. 'Brockmire ' star Hank Azaria said he would no longer voice the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon of reinforcing racial.. Azaria Explains Why he will no longer voice the character `` It just did n't feel right. of descent! Simpsons actor Hank Azaria shares his thoughts on the series, the Indian-American character voices... Who is white, has been the voice of Apu Azaria said he would no longer Kwik-E-Mart! Is white, has been the voice of Apu Azaria Explains Why he will continue voice.: Hank Azaria said he would no longer have white actors voice characters. Simpsons star Hank Azaria shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Apu, the Simpsons Apu controversy Hank.