Pamela Hayden Retires After Decades of Voicing Milhouse

Hayden has been working on the US animated series since 1989 and has voiced nearly 700 episodes.

In a statement, the 70-year-old said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honor and a joy to work 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 plan to recast the role in the coming months.

Milhouse van Houten, Bart Simpson’s best friend, has been a popular character on the show for 35 years. He is shy, easily influenced by Bart, and often bullied.

But Milhouse wasn’t Hayden’s only character. She also voiced 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 beloved role. In a video announcing her departure, Hayden shared that fans would often quote Milhouse lines to her. “People always say what a nerd he is, but what I love about Milhouse is that he’s always knocked down, but he keeps getting up,” she said. “I love the little guy. It’s a great analogy for life.”

The show’s creator, Matt Groening, said, “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse funny and real, and we will miss her.”

Milhouse’s name is believed to be inspired by former U.S. president Richard Milhous Nixon.