The Simpsons are an essential part of the television landscape. To this day, new episodes of the beloved family can be regularly viewed. But now, there is a significant change in an important cast member, which also affects several characters.
What is The Simpsons? The Simpsons premiered on December 17, 1989. The animated series is inspired by classic sitcoms and parodies social or pop culture themes in many episodes, and it has been doing so for 35 years.
In addition to the titular family, there are also countless other important characters who have been present since the beginning of The Simpsons. One of them even appeared before the actual series started, but fans of the original will soon have to adjust, as Milhouse is getting a new voice.
Already Bart’s Friend Before the Series
What happens to Milhouse? Milhouse Van Houten is Bart’s best friend, who has been around since before the actual start of the series in 1989. In a promotional clip titled The Butterfinger Group, Bart’s school friend made an appearance in 1988, when The Simpsons were still short segments on Fox.
In the regular series, he became a constant companion to Bart, even getting his own episodes. In the original, he is voiced by Pamela Hayden. According to Games Radar, she is retiring after 35 years. She voiced not only Milhouse, but also smaller supporting characters such as Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Malibu Stacey, and Sarah Wiggum. In a statement regarding her departure, she said:
The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons? Not easy. […] It has been an honor and a joy to work on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking series.
Pamela Hayden on her departure from The Simpsons (via The Hollywood Reporter)
Before her farewell, there is a tradition. Hayden will make her last appearance as the English voice of Milhouse in a new episode of Treehouse of Horror. This is an annual tradition in which The Simpsons parody famous horror movies or stories in short tales. Afterwards, a replacement will be sought.
In German, Milhouse is voiced by Michaela Amler, who has been doing so since the first episodes. Do you watch The Simpsons in German or in English? Let us know in the comments. Some characters are important, even though you never see them: Five characters from The Simpsons appear for only a few seconds but are more important than one might think
