Pamela Hayden, Voice of Milhouse, Retires from The Simpsons

Pamela Hayden, the actress known for voicing the character Milhouse on The Simpsons, has announced her departure from the program. Hayden has contributed to the US animated series since 1989, appearing in nearly 700 episodes. In a statement, the 70-year-old Hayden declared: “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone.” She added: “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.” Producers intend to re-cast the role in the coming months. Milhouse van Houten has been a prominent recurring character on the sitcom for the past 35 years and is recognized as Bart Simpson’s best friend. He is characterized by his shy nature, his susceptibility to Bart’s mischievous ideas, and his frequent targeting by bullies. Hayden’s vocal contributions extend beyond Milhouse. She also provided the voice for Ned Flanders’ sons Rod and Todd, school bully Jimbo Jones, Lisa Simpson’s friend Janey, and Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah. However, Milhouse was her most popular character, Hayden stated, recounting in a video announcing her exit that “people would come up to me and they quote Milhouse lines”. “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,” she continued. “I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.” Matt Groening, the creator of the series, commented: “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 blue-haired boy reportedly derives his name from former US president Richard Milhous Nixon.