The Simpsons' Apu is back in Springfield after nearly a decade - with a new voice
The Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to the show after a long absence, now voiced by Indian-American actor Sunil Malhotra. This change follows years of criticism regarding racial stereotypes and a broader initiative by the show to ensure characters of color are voiced by actors of color.
Why it matters
The return of Apu reflects ongoing shifts in media representation and the industry's evolving approach to addressing cultural sensitivity and diversity in voice acting.
The character has appeared in the background in the years since, but remained silent amid criticism that he reinforced racial stereotypes.
Apu is now voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor whose credits include The Legend of Korra . He succeeds Hank Azaria, a white actor who voiced the character for 27 years.
In 2021, Azaria, apologized for his role in creating and performing the character. "Part of me feels like I need to go around to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize," he said on Dax Shepherd's Armchair Expert podcast .
Much ado about Apu: Is The Simpsons character a tired stereotype?
Hank Azaria says stepping away from voicing Apu 'feels like the right thing to do'
Apu's last speaking appearance before his return was in "The Serfsons," which aired in 2017.
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