Pamela Hayden, the iconic voice actor behind Milhouse Van Houten and other beloved characters on The Simpsons, has announced her retirement after 35 years. Hayden, 70, confirmed the news via social media, expressing deep gratitude for her time on the show. “How do I say goodbye to The Simpsons? …not easily,” she shared, adding, “I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
Hayden’s last appearance will be in the upcoming Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes, airing Sunday, November 24. Fans flooded social media with tributes, thanking her for decades of laughter and expressing concern about Milhouse’s future. “Everything is no longer coming up Milhouse,” one fan joked, while others speculated on whether the character would be recast.
Showrunner Matt Selman and creator Matt Groening paid heartfelt tributes to Hayden’s talent. “Pamela’s joy and love for her characters have added a magic to The Simpsons that will never be forgotten,” Selman said. Groening called her portrayal of Milhouse “hilarious and real,” noting her unique ability to bring humor and depth to Springfield’s hapless underdog.
Casting for Hayden’s replacement is reportedly underway, but fans agree her contributions to the series will remain irreplaceable. As one commenter put it: “Pamela Hayden gave us more than a voice—she gave us a piece of Springfield’s soul.”
