'The Simpsons': Pamela Hayden, beloved voice of Milhouse and other iconic characters, retires from series after 35 years

‘Everything’s coming up Milhouse!’ Milhouse Van Houten

√ Watch/share a special tribute from producers here

√ Hear Pamela give her final voice to Milhouse and Jimbo Jones in an all-new episode of ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes’ Sunday, Nov. 24

FOX Press Release

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 said, “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,” Groening said.

Executive Producer James L. Brooks noted, "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 said, “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,” Hayden said. “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.”

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, Nov. 24 (8-8:31 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.

Casting for Hayden’s characters will begin in the near future.

About ‘The Simpsons’

From Groening and developed by Brooks and Sam Simon, the longest-running primetime scripted show in television history exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Currently airing a record-annihilating 36th season, “The Simpsons” has won 37 Emmy Awards, 35 Annie Awards, nine Environmental Media Awards, seven People’s Choice Awards and 14 Writers Guild of America Awards. 

“The Simpsons” was the first animated series to win a Peabody Award, and in 2019 received the Institutional Peabody Award. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the theatrical short "The Longest Daycare." This was followed by the theatrical short “Playdate with Destiny” (2020) and the Disney+ exclusive “The Force Awakens From Its Nap”(2021). 

In 2022, “The Simpsons” was the recipients of a Clio Award for their Balenciaga campaign. “The Simpsons Movie” was a hit feature film, while the mega-attraction “The Simpsons Ride” at Universal Studios has received historic expansion updates with the addition of “Springfield” – winning a Thea Award in both 2009 and 2017.

The show was honored with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. “The Simpsons” ongoing “Tapped Out” mobile game, which launched in 2012, was a recipient of a Webby Award in 2018. It has been named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time Magazine, called the "Greatest American Sitcom" by Entertainment Weekly in 2013, and declared "The Best TV Show Ever" in 2016 by vulture.com.

“Like” the series on Facebook at facebook.com/TheSimpsons, follow Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson and @TheSimpsons on X/Twitter http://twitter.com/TheSimpsons. Join the conversation using #thesimpsons and follow The Simpsons on Instagram @TheSimpsons.

Fans can celebrate Hayden’s work as the voice of Millhouse by revisiting 35 seasons of The Simpsons, now streaming on Disney+: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons.