![Pamela Hayden poses with Milhouse, one of the characters she has voices on 'The Simpsons' for 35 years. [ph. c/o FOX/20th Television Animation]](https://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Pamela-Hayden_Milhouse_Simpsons.jpg "Pamela Hayden_Milhouse_Simpsons")
Pamela Hayden, who has given voice to Bart’s best friend Milhouse along with many other characters on the record-running animated series The Simpsons, has announced her retirement from character voice work.
“The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons? … not easily,” Hayden reflected. “It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty and groundbreaking show, and to give voice to Milhouse (and Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, Malibu Stacy and many others).”
Milhouse first appeared in a Butterfinger commercial in 1989. Named for the former U.S. president Richard Milhous Nixon, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening said of the character, “Bart needed someone to talk to in the school cafeteria. We named him Milhouse because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have.” However unfortunate his fate often is, Milhouse is a favorite of the show’s writing staff because, according to executive producer Al Jean, “most of the writers are more like Milhouse than Bart.”
Hayden’s final appearance on The Simpsons will be in the new scary story anthology episode “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes,” premiering Sunday, November 24 at 8/7C on FOX.
“Here’s to everyone who made this terrific ride I’ve been on possible. Thanks for 35 years!! Be well and happy. My best to you all,” she added. “P.S. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
The Simpsons head creatives bid bon voyage to Hayden with the announcement:
“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.”
— The Simpsons creator Matt Groening
“She is a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of. We will miss her.”
— Executive producer James L. Brooks
“Pamela’s talent and joy and love for her characters has added a magic to The Simpsons that will never be forgotten. Everything’s coming up Pamela!”
— Showrunner/exec producer Matt Selman
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