Azaria won’t be voicing Apu again

Hank Azaria says he has no plans to continue voicing the character of Apu on “The Simpsons,’’ according to an industry blog. But that isn’t to say the Indian immigrant convenience store owner Azaria brought alive for 30 years won’t live on.

Producers and Fox Broadcasting wouldn’t confirm to The Associated Press Azaria’s exit or an end to Apu, a recurring character that has drawn criticism for reinforcing racial stereotypes. There was no immediate reply Saturday from Azaria’s publicist.

The actor, who is white, indicated Friday to /Film that there was no resistance to phasing out his voice.

“We all made the decision together,’’ Azaria said. “We all agreed on it. We all feel like it’s the right thing.’’

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon runs the Kwik-E-Mart, a convenience store in the animated sitcom. Apu is known for his catchphrase, “Thank you, come again.’’ Azaria’s first turn as Apu came in the first season’s episode “The Telltale Head’’ in 1990.

AP