The Simpsons Voice Actor Expresses Concerns About AI Replacing His Work and Imitating Over 100 Characters; Describes It as ‘Unjust to Steal My Likeness’

For close to 36 years, The Simpsons has maintained its status as one of the most enduring television series in history. Yet, the recent surge in artificial intelligence technology, which can produce remarkably realistic video representations and mimic voices, has raised concerns among actors and artists alike. One prominent voice actor has openly expressed fears about the potential of AI to replace human talent. He argues that while AI may replicate sound, the unique artistry inherent in voice acting encompasses far more than mere vocal mimicry.

Hank Azaria Shares Insights on the Emotional Depth of Voice Acting

Hank Azaria, renowned for voicing iconic characters such as Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, and Comic Book Guy on The Simpsons, published a thought-provoking op-ed in The New York Times. In his piece, he articulates his deep-seated concerns about the impact of AI on the voice acting profession, fearing that advancements in technology could render him and his peers obsolete. Azaria describes the encroachment of AI as a form of “blatant theft.”

“I imagine that soon enough, artificial intelligence will be able to recreate the sounds of the more than 100 voices I created for characters on The Simpsons over almost four decades. 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 uses the character Moe, the famously cantankerous bartender, as a case in point. Over the past 36 years, Moe has appeared in nearly every episode, showcasing a broad spectrum of emotions. Azaria asserts that teaching AI to convincingly replicate Moe’s voice would require significant effort and complexity. He emphasizes that embodying a character involves more than just vocalization; it demands a full range of emotional expression and physicality.

“A misconception about voice acting is that it takes only a voice. But our bodies and souls are involved to get the proper believability. It can be as simple as running in place if your character’s running. If your character is crying, you work up real tears, real emotion.”

With substantial capital being invested in AI technology this year, Azaria’s worries may materialize sooner than anticipated. Reports indicate that companies like Meta are exploring ways to incorporate the voices of various artists into AI assistants, proposing lucrative deals for the use of their likenesses. Although many variables remain undefined, the future of AI in the entertainment industry is poised to unfold in intriguing ways over the next few years.

For further reading, check out the original op-ed on The New York Times.

Additional source: Wccftech