Pamela Hayden Retires as Milhouse Voice in The Simpsons

Pamela Hayden, the voice behind Milhouse van Houten on The Simpsons, has announced her retirement after an impressive career spanning decades.

Pamela Hayden, the actress known for voicing Milhouse van Houten on The Simpsons since 1989, has officially retired, marking the end of an era for the beloved character. The 70-year-old actress, who has voiced nearly 700 episodes of the iconic animated series, stated, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone.” Hayden expressed her fondness for the blue-haired character, saying, “It’s been an honor 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.”

Milhouse, best known as Bart Simpson's best friend, has been a staple of the series for the past 35 years, characterized by his shy demeanor and resilience in the face of bullying. Hayden also voiced other characters including Ned Flanders' sons, Rod and Todd, school bully Jimbo Jones, and Lisa Simpson's friend Janey. However, Milhouse stood out as her most recognizable role. In a heartfelt video accompanying her announcement, she reflected, “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.”

Fans and creators alike have praised Hayden's contributions to the show. Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, noted, “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.” Plans are already in motion to recast the iconic role, ensuring that Milhouse’s legacy will continue on the show, which has left a significant mark on pop culture since its debut in 1989.