About a year ago, Azaria informed the executive producers of “The Simpsons” (who include Al Jean, James L. Brooks and the show’s creator, Matt Groening) that he no longer wanted the role.

“When I expressed how uncomfortable I was doing the voice of the character, they were very sympathetic and supportive,” Azaria said. “We were all in agreement.”

Kondabolu said that while he hoped “The Simpsons” would find a creative way to deal with Apu on the show, it was more important that Azaria had acknowledged his own role in the controversy and made a sincere effort to educate himself about it.

“Whatever happens with the character, to me, is secondary,” Kondabolu said. “I’m happy that Hank did the work that a lot of people wouldn’t have. I feel like he’s a really thoughtful person and he got the bigger picture.”

Ambudkar also said it was significant that Azaria would “step out and do what he did,” even if he had no power to dictate what the show did next. “‘The Simpsons’ has become a corporation and he’s an employee of that corporation,” Ambudkar said. “I know he feels peace of mind.”

For all of the emotion and condemnation he has been exposed to, Azaria said that he remained enthusiastic about his work on “The Simpsons” and hoped to remain with it for as long as it is broadcast.