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The Simpsons Casts Sunil Malhotra as New Voice of Apu

Published 5h ago · Latest report 1h ago

Affects United States

AI summary41s readPositive

The Simpsons gives Apu a new voice actor after years of silence following stereotyping controversies.

Animated television show The Simpsons has introduced a new voice actor for recurring character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. American actor Sunil Malhotra took over the role following the departure of Hank Azaria, who stepped down amid widespread criticism of the character's stereotype. The change brings the character back to speaking status after nearly a decade of silence.

  • The replacementSunil Malhotra made his debut as the character in the latest episode.
  • The backgroundHank Azaria officially stepped down from the role in 2020 after years of scrutiny regarding racial caricatures.
  • The hiatusThe character had been reduced to non-speaking background appearances for approximately eight years.

Written from 2 of 3 outlets — 1 has since joined this story.

Why it matters

The character of Apu became the centre of a long-running cultural debate regarding representation and stereotyping in animation, prompting creators and voice cast members to reevaluate how South Asian characters are portrayed on television.

By the numbers1
8 yrsyears since character last spoke
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What outlets agree on

Sunil Malhotra has taken over the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on The Simpsons, replacing Hank Azaria who previously left the part.

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Covered by 3 outlets

67% of the sources are Left

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