Hank Azaria Voices Concern Over AI Replacing Human Actors in Animation

Veteran voice actor Hank Azaria is speaking out about the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, expressing fears that AI could eventually replace human performers.

Azaria, best known for voicing characters like Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy on The Simpsons, shared his thoughts in a recent op-ed for The New York Times.

"It Makes Me Sad to Think About It"

With nearly four decades of experience in animation, Azaria worries that AI will soon be able to replicate the more than 100 voices he has created.

"It makes me sad to think about it. Not to mention, it seems just plain wrong to steal my likeness or sound — or anyone else’s."

Azaria explained that AI has access to years of recorded performances, making it easy to mimic voices. However, he believes that true voice acting goes beyond sound—it's about emotion, improvisation, and human experience.

"The Humanness Will Be Missing"

According to Azaria, AI can generate words and tones, but it lacks the depth that a real actor brings to a role.

"I’d like to think that no matter how much an AI version of Moe or Snake or Chief Wiggum will sound like my voice, something will still be missing — the humanness."

The actor also questioned how audiences would react to AI-generated performances, suggesting that without real human craftsmanship, viewers might not stay engaged.

A Long Career in Voice Acting

Azaria has built a remarkable career in voice acting, lending his talents to shows like Family Guy, Futurama, Bordertown, and Spider-Man: The Animated Series. His concerns echo those of many industry professionals who fear AI could undermine the art of storytelling.

While AI technology continues to evolve, Azaria hopes that audiences will recognize the value of real human voices in bringing characters to life.