Pamela Hayden, the voice behind the beloved Simpsons character Milhouse, retires after 35 years, marking the end of an era for the iconic animated series.
At a Glance
- Pamela Hayden retires after voicing Milhouse and other characters for 35 years.
- Her final performance will air in the “Treehouse of Horror” special on November 24.
- Hayden voiced nearly 700 episodes and appeared in “The Simpsons Movie.”
- The show will cast a new voice actor for Milhouse following Hayden’s departure.
A Legendary Voice Bids Farewell
After 35 years of bringing laughter to millions of viewers, Pamela Hayden, the voice behind Milhouse Van Houten and other beloved characters on “The Simpsons,” has announced her retirement. Hayden’s departure marks the end of an era for the long-running animated series, which has been a staple of American television since its premiere in 1989.
Hayden’s contributions to “The Simpsons” extend far beyond her portrayal of Bart Simpson’s best friend, Milhouse. She has also lent her voice to characters such as Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, and Todd Flanders, showcasing her versatility as a voice actress. Her retirement was announced on the show’s social media accounts, sparking an outpouring of gratitude from fans whose lives have been touched by her work.
We'll miss you, Pamela Hayden! @nytimes chats with the voice of Milhouse ahead of her retirement: https://t.co/J9CA0BxdBQ pic.twitter.com/XfZt4SynGq
— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 23, 2024
A Legacy of Laughter
Hayden’s impact on “The Simpsons” cannot be overstated. Having been with the show since its inception, she has appeared in nearly 700 episodes, as well as the 2007 feature film. Her portrayal of Milhouse, in particular, has left an indelible mark on popular culture, with the character becoming a fan favorite over the years.
“People would come up to me, and they’d quote Milhouse lines. I love the little guy,” Hayden shared. “One thing that I love about Milhouse is he’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up.”
The creator of “The Simpsons,” Matt Groening, praised Hayden’s contribution to the show, stating, “We named him Milhouse because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have. 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.”
The Final Performance
Hayden’s final performance on “The Simpsons” is in an episode titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes.” This special episode will serve as a fitting farewell to the talented voice actress who has been an integral part of the show for over three decades.
As Hayden steps away to pursue other creative endeavors, the show faces the challenge of finding a new voice for Milhouse and the other characters she portrayed. This transition marks a significant moment for “The Simpsons,” which has already been renewed through 2025, surpassing 800 episodes. However, the future of the series beyond its 36th season remains uncertain, with no renewal for season 37 announced yet.
Sources:
- ‘The Simpsons’ iconic voice actor retires after 35 years on show, last episode Sunday
- Voice actor for ‘Simpsons’ character Milhouse retires
- The Voice Of Milhouse Retires From ‘The Simpsons’
- ‘The Simpsons’ voice actor behind Milhouse character retires from show
