Actress Pamela Hayden, who voiced the Simpsons character Milhouse, has announced her retirement from the show.
Hayden has worked on the American animated series since 1989 and has appeared in nearly 700 episodes.
In a statement, Hayden, 70, said: “It’s time for me to hang up my microphone.”
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work on such a funny, hilarious and wonderful show… I will always have a special place in my heart for this blue-haired 10-year-old.”
The producers plan to recast the character in the coming months.
Milhouse van Houten has been a popular recurring character on the sitcom for the past 35 years, and is Bart Simpson’s best friend.
He is shy in nature, easily swayed by Bart’s mischievous ideas, and is regularly bullied.
Millhouse isn’t the only character Hayden has played. He is also the voice behind Ned Flanders’ sons Rod and Todd, school bully Jimbo Jones, Lisa Simpson’s friend Jenny, and Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah.
But Millhouse was his most popular role, Hayden said. Reminiscing in a video announcing his departure. that “people would come up to me and quote Millhouse lines”.
“People always say how stupid he is, but one of the things I love about Millhouse is that he always gets knocked down, but he keeps getting up,” he continued. “I love the little guy. It’s this amazing analogy for life.
Show creator Matt Groening said: “Pamela gave us so many laughs with Milhouse, the helpless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse funny and real, and we’ll miss her. will.”
The blue-haired boy is said to be named after former US President Richard Milhouse Nixon.
