A beloved voice actor from The Simpsons is stepping away after an incredible 35 years.
Pamela Hayden, the talented actress behind Milhouse Van Houten—Bart’s nerdy, glasses-wearing sidekick—along with dozens of other iconic characters, is retiring from the show. With almost 700 appearances across The Simpsons’ 774 episodes, Hayden’s work has shaped some of the series’ most memorable voices. Beyond Milhouse, her versatile talents have brought to life Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders (and occasionally his brother Todd), Malibu Stacy, Lisa’s classmate Janey, and numerous other recurring and one-off characters.
In a heartfelt statement, Hayden shared, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons? Not easily. It’s been such an honor and a joy to be part of such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show. … That blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses will always have a special place in my heart.”
Milhouse’s journey began in 1989 during a Butterfinger ad when The Simpsons was still a collection of shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. He then became a key figure in the show’s very first episode, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire.”
Showrunner and executive producer Matt Selman praised Hayden’s contributions, stating, “Pamela’s talent, joy, and love for her characters brought magic to The Simpsons that will never be forgotten. Everything’s coming up Pamela!”
Creator Matt Groening also expressed his admiration, saying, “Pamela gave us so many laughs with Milhouse, the awkward kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made him both hilarious and relatable, and we’ll miss her dearly.” Executive producer James L. Brooks added, “Pamela’s spirit and positivity have been an inspiration to everyone she’s worked with. We’ll miss her presence on the team.”
As The Simpsons prepares to move forward, casting will soon begin to find new voices for Hayden’s beloved characters.