Hank Azaria says he would not play Agador Spartacus again

While he says he loved being part of "The Birdcage," Hank Azaria says he wouldn't play the character of Agador Spartacus today because of his commitment to diversity and representation in the media.

[Minyadagniriel]

I loved Agador! He was definitely one of the best things about this film!!!

[cibertronx]

Well, thank God this film was made in the late 90's so that we didn't miss one of the best, iconic and hilarious protrayal of a gay maid ever. Even though he was never awarded for this role, he remains in our minds for good. It was simply perfect acting. That's the highest an actor can achieve. And he certainly did. Love this film. Pure entertainment.

[knoll]

As a gay man myself, Hank you have full permission to continue that role. I need more Agadore in my life!

[rbeygarcia]

Oh yes he fucking will. I am gay, and the majority of us embraced both the character and Azaria’s portrayal. If they can find a way around Armand’s character not appearing, a sequel would be VERY MUCH welcomed by the gay community and so many others.

[donnarowe]

I would just like to say that I think this movie was so filled with love. I adore Agador Spatacus! It is such a feel good movie.

[trevorh]

I understand Hank's view, but as a gay man I would have no problem with him playing Agador again. Honestly, if they picked someone else it wouldn't be the same. He made the character.

[paddypup]

If a straight white guy makes me laugh whilst ACTING then thank you to him. No bad intentions in this movie.

[KillaSin]

I think everybody would want him to see him as Agador Spartacus.

[louisel.sinniger]

I just got done watching this great movie. It is such a “feel good” movie. Loved the cast!

[pylorix]

What’s the point of acting then? If they only hire someone who is genuinely straight or genuinely of a certain background, etc. The point is to pretend, they are playing a role. That’s like waiting around to only hire an actual wizard to play Harry Potter! C’mon people, lighten up!

[korymillett]

Another reason I miss the 90's people weren't so uptight back then. Nowadays people just look for reasons to get offended.

[darrendaws]

I’m gay and your character was ultra iconic, we all think so

[PowerDiva]

This conversation becomes so polarized often. There are people who hate his portrayal of another ethnicity (or sexuality) and then there are people who will defend it to their death.

I think he's taking a good position somewhere in the middle. He doesn't seem to be ashamed of it and he's proud of the movie and the role. But he recognizes that if it were to be made today, casting would (and should) be different. It's okay to recognize that 1996 was a different time and that you can still enjoy characters like Agador Spartacus without being offended.

[R.L.M]

I'm imagining a gay Latino playing Agador Sparticus, and I would Not be laughing out loud. The comedy is in how Hank Azaria, (who you wouldn't think could play a character like this) embodied this character.

[katyexpatgirl]

I adore Hank Azaria and all the characters he plays. I fully understand (and agree with the need to support) the things he speaks about but HOW SAD that things have become so extreme socially and politically that a straight guy feels he cannot play a gay Hispanic role anymore. I don't care who else they might have found for that role but NOBODY would have played it quite like Hank Azaria. The world has gone mad.

[lorilinzmier]

I understand his sentiment. He got a lot of backlash for the voice for trails in the Simpsons. He’s making a safe move to say this and be politically correct however he did such a fantastic job and the fearlessness of him playing an openly gay character I believe helped open the doors to having LBGTQ in movies.

[vpcproduction]

thtas silly. he is an actor. your characters are not you/.

[TheIkaika]

Letting a Latin gay actor play that role is the antithesis of what acting is. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[RpVane]

Great character. Stupid statement. No one could have been Agador but him. No matter the race or preference. So movies are conflagration of the right people for the right parts. Without Hank Azaria, Nathan Lane, and Robin Williams the movies isn't great.

[dntwantgglplus]

looking fwd to actors like hank remembering that actors can play the roles of people other than themselves.