I just learned what inspired Moe from the Simpsons voice, and I’m shocked

20th Century Fox Television

“Hey, is there a Butz here? Seymour Butz? Hey everybody, I want Seymour Butz!”

Moe Szyslak has been a key character on The Simpsons since it first aired nearly 35 years ago. He’s known for his bar, Moe’s Tavern, and for being the longtime victim of Bart’s prank calls. But did you know that his voice is actually inspired by a veryfamous actor?

His character is said to be a mix of various inspirations, but that voice? It’s inspired by one man: Al Pacino.

The Inspiration Behind Moe Szyslak’s Voice

In an interview with GQ, Hank Azaria, who voices Moe, said: “Moe is kind of a weird version of a young Al Pacino made gritty.”

Hank Azaria also voices Chief Wiggum, the comic book artist, Snake, and Professor Frink in the series.

Speaking with Awards Daily, Hank opened up about his experience playing so many characters on the show, revealing, “It’s fun. If it’s really confusing if you’re in a situation where Chief Wiggum is talking to Moe, you can always do either one.

“Editing is a really enjoyable activity. There are a few episodes where I feel like my characters are dominating, and it’s really fun to watch it all come together. It’s like I’m talking to myself the whole time.”

Hank also controversially voiced Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon until 2020, when he resigned from his position in what was described as a team decision.

At the time, he said: “I’ve thought a lot about it and, as I said, my eyes have been opened. I think the most important thing is to listen to the Indians and their experience.”

Hank added: “I really want to see Indian and South Asian writers in the writers’ room… including how it’s expressed or not.

“I am quite willing to step down. It seems to me to be the right decision to make.”

Hank has since stopped playing characters like Carl Carlson and Police Officer Lou, after Simpsons bosses decided that white actors would no longer voice people of color on the show.

The Simpsons are on Disney Plus.

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