In a bittersweet announcement that has sent ripples through the animation community, Pamela Hayden, the talented voice actor behind some of Springfield’s most cherished characters, is stepping away from The Simpsons after an incredible 35-year run.
Hayden, 70, has brought life to nearly 700 episodes, most notably voicing the endearing Milhouse Van Houten, Bart Simpson’s faithful best friend. The announcement came Wednesday, marking the end of an era for one of television’s longest-running shows.
“The time has come for me to hang up my microphone,” Hayden shared in her heartfelt statement. Her final performance will air in the upcoming episode “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” on November 24. Beyond Milhouse, Hayden’s remarkable versatility shone through her portrayal of multiple beloved characters, including.
- The intimidating school bully Jimbo Jones
- The innocent Rod Flanders
- Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah
- Lisa’s friend Janey Powell
The blue-haired, bespectacled Milhouse first captured audiences’ hearts in a 1989 Butterfinger commercial. Show creator Matt Groening reveals the character’s amusing origin: “Bart needed someone to talk to in the school cafeteria. We named him Milhouse because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have.” The character, named after former President Richard Milhous Nixon, quickly became a fan favorite.
Executive Producer Al Jean offered insight into Milhouse’s unique place in the show’s DNA, noting that “most writers are more like Milhouse than Bart.” This connection helped create some of the series’ most memorable episodes, including “Radioactive Man” and “Bart Sells His Soul.”
Hayden’s impact on the show goes beyond mere voice work. “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 reflected in a special video tribute. “I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.”
The character’s enduring popularity is evident in fan interactions. Hayden often fights viewers who approach her to quote Milhouse’s lines, demonstrating the lasting impact of her performance.
James L. Brooks, Executive Producer, praised Hayden’s contributions: “She is a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of. We will miss her.” TGroening echoed this sentiment: “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real.”
Looking ahead, Hayden plans to “pursue other creative outlets,” though her legacy in Springfield remains indelible. Her extensive voice acting portfolio includes works in “Lloyd in Space,” “Pound Puppies,” and various video games like “Lego Dimensions.”
As The Simpsons prepares to cast new voices for Hayden’s characters, fans celebrate her remarkable contribution to television history worldwide. Her parting words capture the bittersweetness of the moment: “I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
The departure of this animation legend marks not just the end of a chapter for The Simpsons but a moment to reflect on how one voice actor’s talent helped shape the landscape of animated television for over three decades.