Blocks w/ Neal Brennan Hank Azaria
19 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Hank Azaria, the talented voice behind iconic characters on The Simpsons, dives into his complex journey through career challenges and personal recovery. He reflects on the Apu controversy, his initial confusion, and how he learned about racism and inclusivity. Hank discusses the pressures of perfectionism, workaholism, and how they impacted his life. He shares insights on parenting, the balance of trust and boundaries, and even showcases his impressive impressions, providing a heartfelt look at fame, self-discovery, and connection.
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Perfectionism Sabotages Success
- Perfectionism can derail a successful career by turning opportunity into unbearable pressure.
- Hank Azaria learned therapy and recovery helped him accept his work and find happiness in it.
Surprised By Apu Backlash
- Hank describes being blindsided when criticism of Apu surfaced after 25 years of no complaints.
- He found the deluge of critique upsetting and initially baffling before he sought to understand it.
Respond Before Reacting
- When faced with criticism, Azaria used his recovery training to examine his part first rather than merely react.
- He emphasizes response over reaction: pause, learn, and then decide.
