Pamela Hayden's Retirement Announcement

In a surprising announcement that has left fans of “The Simpsons” reeling, Pamela Hayden, the beloved voice behind Bart Simpson's quirky best friend, Milhouse Van Houten, revealed her retirement from the iconic show after an impressive 35-year run. Hayden, 70, shared the news in a heartfelt post on her Facebook page, stating that her last appearance will be in episode seven of the current 36th season, set to air on November 24.

Milhouse's Legacy

Reflecting on her time as Milhouse, Hayden expressed her affection for the character, known for his signature blue hair, oversized glasses, and resilient spirit, which resonates with kids everywhere. “One thing that I love about Milhouse is he’s always getting knocked down but he keeps getting up. I love the little guy,” she remarked in a tribute video shared on “The Simpsons” social media channels.

Pamela's Contributions to 'The Simpsons' and Beyond

In addition to enchanting audiences with Milhouse’s quirky charm, Hayden has lent her voice to a multitude of other “Simpsons” characters, including the notorious bully Jimbo Jones. Milhouse’s most memorable adventure involves teaming up with Bart as “Fallout Boy” in their superhero escapades—fun fact: the pop-punk band Fall Out Boy derives its name from this character!

Beyond “The Simpsons,” Hayden's voice acting prowess is showcased in various projects, including the 2015 Lego video game and Disney's “Lloyd in Space,” where she played a leading character.

Industry Tributes

“The Simpsons” creator, Matt Groening, lauded Hayden’s contributions, stating, “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.”

What’s Next for Milhouse?

As for the fate of Milhouse and other characters she voiced, Fox Television is already considering recasting, though details remain scarce. Interestingly, it has not yet been confirmed whether “The Simpsons” will return for a 37th season.

Pamela Hayden's Future Projects

Looking ahead, Hayden is not stepping completely away from the spotlight; she is set to channel her creativity into new projects, including writing and producing a short film and a musical. “On the couch with bonbons is not really my style, although the bonbons are,” she humorously stated during an interview.

A Fond Farewell

In her heartfelt tribute, Hayden emphasized Milhouse's life lessons about perseverance and optimism, aptly quoting, “Everything’s coming up Milhouse!” Fans now await news of who will take over the role of their beloved blue-haired best friend and how the show will evolve in the future. The legacy of Milhouse, thanks to Hayden's unique portrayal, will undoubtedly continue to live on in Springfield.