After 35 seasons of performing as Milhouse and other side characters on The Simpsons, Pamela Hayden announced her retirement.
She will leave her role behind after the latest "Treehouse of Horror" episode, "Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes."
What will likely comfort fans is Hayden's endless gratitude for the role.
"How many actors can say they've worked on a show for 35 years straight? That alone is amazing."
"But it was time for me to devote my time to other creative endeavors that I have, like filmmaking."
"It was a tough decision, but I feel like it was the right one."
Not only did Hayden voice the part of Milhouse, but she also stepped in as Rod Flanders, Chief Wiggum's wife Sarah, and the school bully Jimbo Jones.
Younger viewers might have noted her vocal talents on a variety of children's shows, as well, including Hey Arnold, The New Batman Adventures, and Pinky and the Brain.
Hayden even did a commentary called "Jailhouse to Milhouse," documenting her journey from a tough childhood, trouble with the law, and eventually making her way into voice acting and other aspects of filmmaking.
But somewhere along the way, Hayden knew that she wanted to leave her voice roles behind and move into production and direction.
Hayden reflected:
"[The Simpsons] is not like anything I've ever worked on. It's a once-in-a-lifetime job on a once-in-a-lifetime show. But being an actor, I think you're kind of used to taking risks. That's the kind of person I am."
"I'm not about playing things safe. And there were other things I wanted to do. I think you throw it against the wall and see what sticks."
You can see a tribute to Pamela Hayden's role as Milhouse here:
Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so many more, Pamela Hayden!
Watch her final performance on #TheSimpsons this Sunday on @FOXTV, next day on @hulu. pic.twitter.com/Ywr55m2Xwh
— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 20, 2024
Though she's leaving the character behind, Hayden has a lot of love for Milhouse.
"Everybody has their own favorite. What I liked about Milhouse is that even though he gets kicked around, he always feels like tomorrow's going to be a better day. Whether it is or not. And I think that's great. It's a good analogy for life."
Fans of the show shared their love for Milhouse's character and what might come next.
Legend.
— Storm Taker (@StormTaker_) November 20, 2024
My favorite Millhouse line of all time. pic.twitter.com/HNJ0inFlrm
— George Naranjo (@cubfan19662002) November 20, 2024
Oh my favorite Simpsons joke was a Milhouse moment....THRILLHO!!! https://t.co/FWHoGnIJOu
— Animator Bruce (@animatorbruce.bsky.social) (@AnimatorBruce) November 21, 2024
Thank you, Pamela!
— Frank Torres (@MrFrankTorres) November 20, 2024
It’s so sad that she’s gone. 😭
— meme bastard (@mask_bastard) November 20, 2024
Wow! Caught me completely off guard! I wish pamela Hayden the absolute best! Thank you for making milhouse awesome.
— Dan Tromp (@Dantromp_) November 20, 2024
What an episode this was pic.twitter.com/G1R7aV9VQH
— Terance (@TMLioulios) November 21, 2024
Final?! Nooooooo
— salty toaster (@ToasterSalty) November 20, 2024
It's the end of an era. What an awesome run #TheSimpsons #Milhouse pic.twitter.com/2eh5gX7htI
— Aaron ⚓🏀 ⚾️ 🏈 (@bowling23) November 21, 2024
In almost every video game I’ve played , I make an avatar called Thrillhouse
— Len Wilson (@R0achMill) November 21, 2024
We love Milhouse
— Erick Martinez ⎊ (@MAVERICKiiV) November 20, 2024
pic.twitter.com/CScBBJAUXX
— KylesDankLibertyMemeStash (@Kyle_C137) November 20, 2024
Thank you for so many memories.
— Michael Anderson (@Beastmike) November 20, 2024
Animated or otherwise, The Simpsons is one of the longest-running TV shows, ever, in televised history. In its 36th season, the writers of The Simpsons have shown an incredible range in their storytelling and character development.
Just like Milhouse's take on tomorrow being a better day, there are surely great things in store for the show, and for Pamela Hayden on her new journey.
