Actor Hank Azaria and His Love for Poker
Only a few knows that actor Hank Azaria lends his voice for several characters portrayed in the animated television show "The Simpsons." Only a few knows that he has starred in several television programs and motion pictures. Moreover, only a few people are aware that this American voice artist, comedian, director and actor here is also fond of playing poker.
Born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York on April 25, 1964, the success of Hank Azarias in the entertainment industry can be attributed to his parents who both had passion for show business. Through the influence of his parents, he took up drama when he went to Tufts University. It was at Tufts University where he met and became good friends with actor Oliver Platt. According to him, aside from his parents, it was Platt who also served as his inspiration.
His first exposure to the entertainment world was when he did a commercial for an Italian television when he was only seventeen years old. He also had the opportunity to be included in the cast of the theatrical production "The Dumb Walker."
Hank Azarias is famous for being the voice behind many characters of "The Simpsons," including Quickie Mart employee Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Police Chief Wiggum, bar-owner Moe Szyslak, and mad scientist Professor Frink. He has been an effective voice artist for "The Simpsons" as he has been part of the cast for twenty years.
Aside from being a voice artist, Hank Azarias has also appeared in a number of motion flicks, such as "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," "Along Came Polly," "America's Sweethearts," "Mystery Men," "The Birdcage," "Quiz Show," and "Pretty Woman." Moreover, Hank Azarias has also appeared in quite a few television shows, among which are "Mad About You," "Huff," "Futurama," "Unscripted," "Drawn Together," "Tales From the Crypt," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Growing Pains," and "Family Ties." He also appeared in a movie-made-for-television project titled "Tuesdays With Morrie."
He is also known for directing such films as "Outsourced" and "Nobody's Perfect."
The talent of this guy does not end here. He also has a talent in another form of entertainment, which is playing poker. His fondness for poker is not merely to play poker. The fondness of this celebrity poker player for such casino game extends to the fact that he event conducts regular poker events at his home in SoHo, New York City. This celebrity poker player invites other poker players by sending out invitations via electronic mail messages. Most of the time, this celebrity poker player invites poker players to a game of No Limit, US$500 Buy-In.
This celebrity poker player has also appeared in the game show "Celebrity Poker Showdown," where he is recognized as one of the best players to have ever joined the show.