Hank Azaria Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 'The Birdcage'

The actor who played the scene-stealing character Agador reflects on the beloved 1996 comedy.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:54pm

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Hank Azaria, who played the flamboyant housekeeper Agador in the 1996 comedy film The Birdcage, took to social media to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie. In a video, Azaria donned Agador's signature sleeveless shirt and spoke in the character's distinct accent, paying tribute to his late co-stars Robin Williams and Gene Hackman, as well as director Mike Nichols.

Why it matters

The Birdcage was a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ comedy that tackled themes of acceptance and family, while also delivering plenty of laughs. Azaria's Agador became an iconic character, and the film's 30th anniversary is a chance to reflect on its lasting impact and cultural significance.

The details

Directed by Mike Nichols, The Birdcage starred Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple whose son is marrying the daughter of a conservative senator, played by Gene Hackman. Azaria's character, Agador, was the couple's flamboyant and incompetent housekeeper. In the video, Azaria paid tribute to his late co-stars and the film's director, as well as his co-stars Nathan Lane and Calista Flockhart.

  • The Birdcage was released in 1996.
  • The film's 30th anniversary is being celebrated in 2026.

The players

Hank Azaria

The actor who played the scene-stealing character Agador in The Birdcage.

Mike Nichols

The director of The Birdcage.

Robin Williams

One of the lead actors in The Birdcage, who passed away in 2014.

Nathan Lane

One of the lead actors in The Birdcage, who played Azaria's character's partner.

Gene Hackman

The actor who played the conservative senator in The Birdcage, and passed away in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We called her Mama. Rest in peace, Mama. Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Robin Williams and Mike Nichols. And my love to Nathan and Calista and Dan and everybody else in that movie.”

— Hank Azaria, Actor (Twitter)

The takeaway

Hank Azaria's heartfelt tribute to The Birdcage's 30th anniversary highlights the enduring legacy of the beloved comedy, which tackled LGBTQ+ themes with humor and heart, and featured iconic performances from a talented ensemble cast.