One of the stars of “The Simpsons” is leaving their longtime job.
Pamela Hayden, who has voiced various characters including Bart’s best friend, Milhouse Van Houten, is retiring from the animated show after 35 years, Fox confirmed Wednesday.
Hayden’s final episode — titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” — will air Sunday, Nov. 24.
The description for the episode reads, “A tattooed man at a mysterious night circus transports Lisa into three strange stories from the innocent 1950s, the chilling retro-present, and a brutalist future where prestige TV rules the world.”
In a statement, Hayden, 70, said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons?……not easily.”
“It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show, and to give voice to Milhouse (and Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, Malibu Stacy and many others).”
“Here’s to everyone who made this terrific ride I’ve been on possible. Thanks for 35 years!! Be well and happy. My best to you all. P.S. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses,” Hayden added.
Creator Matt Groening said in a statement, “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.”
Milhouse first appeared in a Butterfinger commercial in 1989. The character, named after US President Richard Milhous Nixon, was then introduced on “The Simpsons” as Bart’s 4th grade classmate and best friend.
Executive producer AI Jean said, “Bart needed someone to talk to in the school cafeteria. We named him Milhouse because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have.”
The show also shared a tribute video to Hayden called “Thank You, Pamela Hayden, For 35 Phenomenal Years of Milhouse!”
The actress also voiced Springfield Elementary bully Jimbo Jones, Ned Flanders’ son Rod, Chief Wiggum’s wife and Ralph Wiggum’s mom Sarah and Lisa Simpson’s friend Janey Powell.
Casting for her characters will begin in the near future, Fox confirmed.
The main voice cast of “The Simpsons” includes Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson, Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson, Nancy Cartwright as Bart and Maggie Simpson, and Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson.
“The Simpsons,” currently in its 36th season, airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
The show has yet to be renewed for Season 37.
