The Simpsons bids farewell to Milhouse as Pamela Hayden retires after 35 years
Pamela Hayden, the talented voice actress behind one of television's most iconic characters, Milhouse Van Houten from The Simpsons, has announced her retirement. This decision marks the end of her remarkable 35-year association with the show, where she voiced not only Milhouse but also other characters like Jimbo Jones and Rod Flanders.
Hayden, now 70, shared her emotions in a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude for the time spent on the beloved animated series, saying, "It’s been an honor and joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show." She reflected on both the challenges and the joys Milhouse has brought to viewers over the years.
The official Simpsons Twitter account echoed similar sentiments, tweeting, "Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so much more, Pamela Hayden!" Fans and cast alike have felt the impact of her work, which spans nearly 700 episodes, making her one of the longest-standing members of the cast.
Milhouse Van Houten, Bart Simpson’s bespectacled friend, is characterized by his uncanny ability to find himself on the wrong side of the joke, often being bullied or outsmarted. His earliest appearance came not during the show itself, but rather in a Butterfinger commercial back in 1988, marking his presence long before The Simpsons debuted as its own half-hour series.
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, praised Hayden’s contributions as Milhouse, stating, "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." Such recognitions highlight the pivotal role Hayden has played not just for Milhouse but throughout the show's extensive character roster.
Throughout her career on the show, Hayden also voiced characters like Lisa’s friend Janey and Chief Wiggum's wife, Sarah. Still, Milhouse remained her true passion. Hayden has often remarked on how her experiences with the character mirrored life’s ups and downs, encapsulating walking the line between being bullied and being resilient.
Fans have come to associate Milhouse’s character with relatable qualities, with many recalling specific lines and episodes when Hayden imbued Milhouse with charm and depth. "People would come up to me and quote Milhouse lines," she recalled, underscoring the lasting impact the character has had on audiences since the show's inception.
Hayden’s final performance will be aired during the Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes episode on November 24, 2024. The show’s production team is already discussing potential replacements to fill the sizable shoes left by her departure.
While fans may be saddened by her exit, Hayden’s legacy as the voice of Milhouse—and the laughter she has brought to millions—will certainly live on. For many, especially those who grew up watching The Simpsons, she will always be Milhouse's voice, bringing to life one of Springfield's most unmistakably identifiable characters.
