Iconic Voice Actor Leaves The Simpson After 35 Years

Springfield is losing one of its most iconic voices. Pamela Hayden, the legendary voice actor behind Milhouse Van Houten, is stepping away from The Simpsons after more than three decades of bringing Bart Simpson’s nerdy best friend to life. Hayden’s exit marks the end of an era for fans who’ve grown up with Milhouse’s memorable one-liners and relentless crush on Lisa Simpson.

Hulu broke the news today, confirming that Hayden is retiring from her role on the show. Hayden has been with The Simpsons since its debut as a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, voicing not only Milhouse but also Jimbo Jones, Rod, and Todd Flanders. While her departure is bittersweet, Hayden’s contribution to Springfield’s colorful cast of characters cannot be overstated.

“Pamela Hayden has been an integral part of The Simpsons for over 35 years, and her work will be deeply missed,” Hulu shared in a statement. Fans are now left wondering: will Milhouse be recast, or are his days on The Simpsons officially over?

Hayden’s decision to leave follows a trend of recasting roles within the series. Over the years, characters like Dr. Hibbert, Carl Carlson, and Martin Prince have all seen voice actor changes. While there’s no official word yet, fans are already speculating on social media about the future of Milhouse and his awkward charm.

In a heartfelt interview for Hulu, Hayden reflected on her time with the series and what inspired her to bring these beloved characters to life. “Milhouse is such a unique character,” she said. “I’ll always be grateful to have been part of something so iconic.”

Now in its 35th season, The Simpsons has already been renewed for a 36th, and there’s chatter about the series going all the way to a 40th season. Longtime cast member Hank Azaria recently told People Magazine, “I would guess that it would probably go to 40. It seems to be doing well.”

With The Simpsons now part of Disney’s portfolio, fans can expect more wild crossovers and creative ventures, like recent mashups with Marvel, Star Wars, and classic Disney characters. Whether it’s in Springfield or a galaxy far, far away, the show keeps finding ways to stay relevant after decades on the air.