‘The Simpsons’ Milhouse voice actor retires from role after 35 years
Milhouse is saying farewell.
Pamela Hayden, the voice behind Bart Simpson’s close friend Milhouse Van Houten and other characters on “The Simpsons,” is stepping down from the beloved animated series after 35 years. Fans can catch her last performance on Sunday, Nov. 24, on Fox during the episode titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes.”
Milhouse has been featured on “The Simpsons” since its debut season in 1989, making his first appearance in a Butterfinger commercial. The show’s creator, Matt Groening, explained that the character was born out of the need for Bart to have someone to interact with in the school cafeteria, and they chose the name Milhouse as it represented the most unfortunate name a child could have.
Aside from Milhouse, Hayden has provided voices for other characters on the show, including school bully Jimbo Jones and Rod Flanders, Ned Flanders’ son. According to Fox, the search for new voices for her characters will commence “in the near future.”
“It’s time for me to put away my microphone, but saying goodbye to ‘The Simpsons’ is not easy,” she expressed in her statement.
“I’m truly honored to have worked on such a clever, humorous, and pioneering show, lending my voice to Milhouse (as well as Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, Malibu Stacy, and many others).”
She continued, “My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this incredible journey possible. Here’s to 35 wonderful years! Wishing you all happiness and well-being. P.S. That blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Groening expressed his gratitude to Hayden for providing “countless laughs” and bringing “hilarious and authentic” life to the character, while executive producer James L. Brooks called her a positive influence to every team she’s been part of. “We will certainly miss her,” he added.
As per IMDb, Hayden’s voice has featured in over 600 episodes of the iconic show, which is currently in its 36th season.
Additionally, Hayden has contributed her voice to other animated series such as “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters,” “Hey Arnold!” and “Pinky and the Brain.” She has also voiced Milhouse in several forms, including video games and “The Simpsons Movie.”