Pamela Hayden, who has given voice to Bart’s best friend Milhouse, along with many other characters, has opted to retire from her 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. 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),” she said.
Milhouse first appeared in a Butterfinger commercial in 1989. Named for the former U.S. president Richard Milhous Nixon, The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening states, “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.” It has also been noted that 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.”
“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,” expresses Groening.
Executive Producer James L Brooks notes, “She is a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of. We will miss her.”
Showrunner/Executive Producer Matt Selman exclaims, “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!”
In closing… .
“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.”
“P.S. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
– Pamela Hayden
Episode Information:
A tattooed man at a mysterious night circus transports Lisa into three strange stories from the innocent 1950s, the chilling retro-present, and a brutalist future where prestige TV rules the world, airing Sunday, November 24 (8:00-8:31 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Casting for her characters will begin in the near future.