'The Simpsons' voice actor Pamela Hayden retires after 35 years
Pamela Hayden, a beloved member of the popular animated series The Simpsons's voice cast, has announced her retirement after an incredible 35-year-long career. She is most famous for voicing Milhouse Van Houten, Bart's best friend who debuted in a Butterfinger commercial before becoming a staple on the show. Apart from Milhouse, Hayden also voiced other legendary characters including Jimbo Jones and Rod Flanders.
'I'll always have a special place in my heart...'
Hayden's last episode, Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes, will air on Sunday (November 24). To pay tribute to her contributions, Fox's official Animation Domination YouTube channel released a special video bidding her farewell. The post's caption read: "Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so many more, Pamela Hayden!" Looking back on her journey, Hayden said, "I'll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses."
Take a look at this clip here
'The Simpsons's creators and producers expressed their admiration
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, praised Hayden's work. He said, "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." Executive Producer James L Brooks added his sentiments saying she is a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of.
Hayden's exit marks another major change for 'The Simpsons'
Hayden's exit marks the latest in a series of major cast changes for The Simpsons. The show had previously lost Marcia Wallace (Edna Krabappel) in 2013 and Russi Taylor (Martin Prince) in 2019. In 2020, it was announced that white actors would no longer voice Black characters on the show. However, it remains unclear if characters like Milhouse will be retired or recast after Hayden's exit.
Hayden's remarkable career and 'The Simpsons's future
Hayden has been a part of The Simpsons since its first episode in 1989 and is credited with 694 episodes of the animated sitcom. Her acting credits also include The Simpsons Movie, Lloyd in Space, Pound Puppies, and several Simpsons video games. As the show continues into its 36th season, fans have been concerned over how long the original voice cast can remain on the series.
