The Simpsons producers might be looking for a new voice for Milhouse Van Houten with voice actress Pamela Hayden announcing her retirement from the role.
The 70-year-old has voiced the hapless and vulnerable 10-year-old best friend of Bart Simpson since the outset of the show 35 years ago but has decided to pursue other “creative outlets”.
“The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons?... not easily,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
The Simpsons shared a video on Instagram of Hayden blending between her voices and describing her passion for “the greatest job in the world”.
While she has also voiced Springfield bully Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, and sometimes his brother Todd; Sarah Wiggum, mother of Ralph and wife of police chief Wiggum; and Lisa Simpson’s schoolfriend Janey, it is Milhouse she is best known for.
Hayden said she loved Milhouse for his ability to “keep getting back up” and while he has not had many personal triumphs, he has had some memorable moments!
“But why did I have the bowl, Bart?”: The Canine Mutiny
While Milhouse can match Bart’s equally poor school grades, his friend is quick to take advantage of his naivety as this exchange shows.
“Everything's coming up Milhouse”: Mom and Pop Art
Milhouse’s proudest moment must be starting a trend of pupils wearing earrings to school, but “everything’s coming up Milhouse” remains a more memorable exclamation of joy.
“How can someone with glasses that thick be that stupid?”: Bart Sells His Soul
In a rare bid to gain power over his more dominant friend, Milhouse buys Bart’s soul for $5 after arguing that there would be no reason for religion to lie - as Reverend Lovejoy counts his change.
“Thrillhouse”: Marge Be Not Proud
Bart was left to steal the must-have video game Bonestorm when Milhouse (or even ‘Thrillhouse’) refused to play fair.
“Nobody likes Milhouse!”: Lisa’s Date With Density
“Milhouse likes Lisa” becomes the chant of his classmates when he dares to stick up for his crush, leading the teacher Mr Largo to deliver the unintentionally cruel “nobody likes Milhouse!” line to try and gain control.
“You two go ahead… And carry me with you”: Das Bus
When a Springfield Elementary school trip ends up in a Lord of the Flies situation on an island, Bart and Lisa defend Milhouse against their murderous classmates - only for him to repay their loyalty in neediness.
“My glasses”: Lisa’s Rival
Milhouse is an unlikely Harrison Ford replicant (no Blade Runner pun intended) as he jumps into a dam to evade the Secret Service in a take-off of The Fugitive.
“So this is my life”: Homer’s Enemy
Bart buys an abandoned factory and, just for the sake of it, employs Milhouse to complete gruelling and pointless tasks - including standing watch overnight.
“When Doves Cry”: Lemon of Troy
Whatever Prince meant when he sang his 1984 classic, it was surely unlikely to be about two boys named Milhouse finding each other.
“But I’m ALL Milhouse?”: Lisa’s Date With Density
Milhouse is driven by his crush on Lisa to overcome his fear of Nelson to ask him out on her behalf - only for the bully to almost fatally misunderstand.
