If you’re an avid Simpsons fan then you know for a fact that Apu has been one of the most prominent background characters. He’s even had several episodes that were based around his life. From him getting his citizenship to even him getting married and who can forget the iconic episode where him and his wife had those eight kids. And we all know that the voice actor is Hank Azaria. There have been some talks about what will happen to Hanks character Apu after the 2017 documentary from Hari Kondabolu entitled The Problem with Apu which raised controversy around his character.
“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),” Kondabolu wrote. “It was also about how you can love something (like the Simpsons) & still be critical about aspects of it (Apu).”
The Simpson’s creative team even addressed it in one episode. “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?” Lisa then glanced at a framed photograph of Apu inscribed with the message, “Don’t have a cow.”
There were talks and rumors about what exactly would happen to his character. Would he be taken out? Would Hank Azaria continue to voice him? Or when they get someone new. Well after 30 years, Hank Azaria has decided to step down as the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
“All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria said “What they’re going to do with the character is their call,” according to /Film. “It’s up to them, and they haven’t sorted it out yet. All we’ve agreed on is I won’t do the voice anymore.”
“It was certainly not my intention,” he said. “I wanted to spread laughter and joy with this character, and the idea that it’s brought pain and suffering in any way, that it was used to marginalize people, it’s upsetting.”
Apu has been one of my favorite background characters it’ll be sad to see him go.
