Milhouse voice actress retires from The Simpsons

Pamela Hayden, the voice actress behind Milhouse van Houten on The Simpsons, has announced her retirement after over three decades of bringing the iconic character to life. Hayden, who has voiced Milhouse since the show’s debut in 1989, has appeared in nearly 700 episodes. At 70 years old, Hayden expressed in a statement, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone.”

Hayden’s departure marks the end of a long-running era for The Simpsons, which has become a cultural staple. “It’s been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show… I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses,” Hayden added. Producers of the show have announced plans to re-cast the role of Milhouse in the coming months, as the character continues to be a major part of the series.

Milhouse, Bart Simpson’s best friend, has been a beloved character on the show for over 35 years. Known for his shyness, nerdy personality, and constant bullying by classmates, Milhouse has provided both humor and depth throughout the series. Hayden’s portrayal of the character resonated with fans, with Milhouse often serving as the relatable underdog, constantly knocked down but always getting back up. “People are always saying what a nerd he is, but one thing that I love about Milhouse is he’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up,” Hayden shared in a video announcing her retirement. “I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.”

In addition to voicing Milhouse, Hayden has voiced several other characters throughout the show, further cementing her place in The Simpsons legacy. She has voiced Ned Flanders’ sons Rod and Todd, school bully Jimbo Jones, Lisa Simpson’s friend Janey, and Chief Wiggum’s wife, Sarah. However, it’s Milhouse who remains Hayden’s most famous role, with the actress recalling how fans often quote Milhouse’s lines to her.

Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, paid tribute to Hayden’s work in a statement: “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her.”

Milhouse, known for his blue hair and oversized glasses, was said to be named after former U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon, adding an interesting layer of historical reference to the character’s creation.

Hayden’s departure marks the end of an era for the show, which continues to influence pop culture and entertain audiences worldwide. Fans of the character will undoubtedly miss Hayden’s distinctive voice that has helped shape Milhouse’s enduring popularity. As the series moves forward, The Simpsons will have to find a new voice for one of Springfield’s most recognizable characters, but Hayden’s legacy as Milhouse’s voice will remain a key part of the show’s rich history.