Veteran ‘Simpsons’ Voice Actor Pamela Hayden Retires After 35 Years

Long-time voice actor Pamela Hayden has announced her departure from the iconic animated series «The Simpsons» after a tenure spanning 35 years. Hayden, who has lent her voice to a multitude of characters including Bart Simpson’s friend Milhouse Van Houten, as well as Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, and others, will voice her final episode on November 24. The episode is titled «Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes.»

The beloved character of Milhouse first debuted in a Butterfinger commercial in 1989, even before «The Simpsons» was a standalone series and was still a collection of shorts on «The Tracey Ullman Show.» Since then, Milhouse has become a staple of the series, appearing from the very first full episode «Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire.»

Hayden expressed mixed emotions about leaving the show: «The time has come for me to hang up my microphone,» she stated. «It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show.» She added that she would «always have a special place» in her heart for her characters, especially the «blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses,» referring to Milhouse.

The show’s creator, Matt Groening, commended Hayden’s contribution, 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.» Fellow executive producer James L. Brooks acknowledged her as «a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of.»

Showrunner and executive producer Matt Selman praised Hayden, noting her talent brought a special magic to the series that «will never be forgotten.» The production team will begin the process of casting replacements for her characters in the near future. The series was developed by James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Sam Simon, and is produced by Gracie Films in association with 20th Television Animation.

As «The Simpsons» continues its legacy on Fox, the departure of Pamela Hayden marks the end of an era for many fans who have grown up with the diverse characters she brought to life.