'The Simpsons' Milhouse voice actor Pamela Hayden retires from role after 35 years

Milhouse is losing his voice.

Pamela Hayden, who voices Bart Simpson's best friend Milhouse Van Houten and other characters on "The Simpsons," is retiring from the hit animated series after 35 years. Her final performance as the character will be heard on Sunday, Nov. 24, on Fox in the episode "Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes."

Milhouse has been a part of "The Simpsons" since its first season in 1989 after making his debut in a Butterfinger commercial. Series creator Matt Groening noted the character was created because Bart "needed someone to talk to in the school cafeteria," and "we named him Milhouse because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have."

In addition to Milhouse, Hayden has also voiced "Simpsons" characters like school bully Jimbo Jones and Rod Flanders, son of Ned Flanders. Recasting for her characters will begin "in the near future," Fox said.

"The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to 'The Simpsons'? ……not easily," she said in a statement.

"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)."

She added, "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."

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Groening thanked Hayden for giving "us tons of laughs" and making the character "hilarious and real," while executive producer James L Brooks said, "She is a model for having a great spirit for every cast she has been a part of. We will miss her."

According to IMDb, Hayden's voice has appeared in over 600 episodes of the long-running series, which is currently airing its 36th season.

Hayden has also lent her voice to other animated shows like "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters," "Hey Arnold!" and "Pinky and the Brain," and she has voiced Milhouse in numerous forms, including a variety of "Simpsons" video games and in "The Simpsons Movie."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pamela Hayden, 'The Simpsons' voice actor, retires after 35 years