In brief
Pamela Hayden, the actress who has become synonymous with the beloved character Milhouse van Houten on The Simpsons, has announced her retirement after an impressive 34-year tenure. Throughout her career with the show, she voiced Milhouse in nearly 700 episodes, capturing the hearts of fans and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
In her heartfelt statement, the 70-year-old Hayden expressed her gratitude, saying, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show.” Reflecting on her character, she added that Milhouse, the blue-haired sidekick of Bart Simpson, would always hold a “special place” in her heart.Milhouse has been a recurring character since 1989, characterized by his shy demeanor and his constant misadventures at the hands of bullies and the whims of Bart. While Hayden voiced several other characters on the show – including Ned Flanders' sons, Jimbo Jones, Lisa Simpson's friend Janey, and Chief Wiggum's wife Sarah – Milhouse always stood out as her most iconic role. Fans would often quote Milhouse lines back to her, making it clear the character resonated deeply with audiences.Hayden fondly remembered Milhouse's resilience, stating, "He’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.” The creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, praised her work, acknowledging the laughter she brought to fans with Milhouse’s character.As the show moves forward, producers have indicated that they will re-cast the role, ensuring that Milhouse will continue to be a part of Springfield's quirky universe. This character, named after former U.S. president Richard Milhous Nixon, has been a staple in The Simpsons for 35 years, leaving behind a legacy that few characters in television can match.
