S Poddar
After an incredible 35 years and almost 700 episodes of working in The Simpsons, Pamela Hayden will be retiring from the popular animated show, she is best known for voicing the character Milhouse Van Houten.
“The time has come for me to hang up my microphone,” Hayden, 70, shared in a heartfelt statement on Wednesday. “It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show … I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
Hayden has been an integral part of The Simpsons since its 1989 debut, giving life to not only Milhouse but also characters as diverse as school bully Jimbo Jones, Ned Flanders’ sons Rod and Todd, Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah, and Lisa’s friend Janey Powell. However, as she explained in a video tribute that the show shared, Milhouse has always been a special spot in her career. “He was my main guy,” she beamed proudly.
Milhouse has become one of the lovable favorite characters, with his big nose and hapless nature. Hayden talks about how she had this connection with the fans who could quote along Milhouse lines, and the tribute video clearly showed Milhouse’s growth over the years and highlighted his charm and resilience.
Series creator Matt Groening also did not forget to pay homage to Hayden’s work. “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,” he remarked.
Milhouse, whose name is a reference to former U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon, first appeared in a Butterfingers commercial when The Simpsons was still a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show. He later became a main character once the show was developed into a standalone half-hour series.
Milhouse is portrayed as intelligent, shy, and gullible, which frequently puts him in a difficult situation. In some cases, he depends on the influence of his wrongdoing best friend, Bart, and sometimes he is taken advantage of by bullies. As Hayden pointed out, however, there’s something profoundly inspiring about him. People are always saying what a nerd he is, but one thing that I love about Milhouse is he’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up,” she said. “I love the little guy. It is this wonderful analogy for life.
Milhouse’s charms are on display throughout episodes such as Radioactive Man, in which he gets caught up in Hollywood chaos after being cast as Fallout Boy, and Bart Sells His Soul, in which he challenges Bart to sell his soul, then gloats over tormenting Bart afterwards.
Beyond The Simpsons, Hayden’s work includes roles in Lloyd in Space, Pound Puppies, and voice work in video games such as Lego Dimensions. Her decision to retire stems from a desire to explore new creative avenues. “I’m stepping away to pursue other creative outlets,” she explained.
Hayden’s last episode will be that long-awaited show Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes airing on November 24. Expect the show to begin soon casting for replacements for her characters, but the legacy of Milhouse and many other Springfield residents she represents will be an indelible part of show history.
The departure of Hayden marks the end of an era, but she will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and the animation industry due to her tremendous input to The Simpsons.
