Voice actor Hank Azaria who played Apu on the long running show The Simpsons is opening up about his decision not to voice the character after three decades.
“What happened with this character is a window into an important issue,” Azaria told The New York Times. “It’s a good way to start the conversation. I can be accountable and try to make up for it as best I can.”
Azaria has long defended his characterization of the Indian American clerk at a convenience store. He refused to participate in Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu despite persistent attempts by the comedian.
The voice actor now admits the documentary had an impact on him as he reflected on his own Jewish heritage.
“I started thinking, if that character were the only representation of Jewish people in American culture for 20 years, which was the case with Apu, I might not love that,” he said.
Producers of The Simpsons say they respect Azaria’s decision to pull away from the character. They have not said what will happen with Apu or if the character will return to the show with a new actor.
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