The Simpsonshas announced the recasting of Milhouse’s voice actor after 35 years. The change marks the end of an era for the show, with the original Milhouse voice actress, Pamela Hayden, who also voiced Jimbo Jones and Rod Flanders, departing after having voiced the character for the best part of three and a half decades. Over the show’s run, Milhouse has become a fan favorite and a cultural icon, and remains one of the most popular characters. Over time,The Simpsonsturned Milhouse into one of the most important side characters, and his impact on the show cannot be understated.
PerEW, the show has recast the actor voicing Milhouse in the show, withsinger Kelly Macleod set to make her debut as the character in Sunday’s upcoming season 36 finale episode, “Estranger Things.“The move comes following Hayden’s decision to retire. Macleod is best known for her stint in the roack band Private Life, and actually appeared on The Simpsons in the season 33 episode, “Bart the Cool Kid,” where she performed a song.
What This Means For The Simpsons
It’s The End Of An Era For A Show That Has Constantly Evolved Over Time
A show that has run as long asThe Simpsonshas is no stranger to change, and Hayden’s retirement signals the end of a voice actress who has been a part of the show since its beginnings. Whilst she will be a big miss forThe Simpsons, its uncanny ability to evolve and subtly reinvent itself through the years will help with Macleod’s approach to the character. The transition will be a gradual one, with Macleod’s debut set to be a stripped-back role in a finale episode that sees Milhouse only given one line.
The Simpsonsseason 36 finale airs on Fox on Sunday, May 18.
The singer’s true tenure as Milhouse will begin withThe Simpsonsseason 37, as she looks to put her own mark on the iconic role. The show is no stranger to recasting roles, with characters such as Carl Carlson recast over the course of the show’s run. Hayden’s voice work was iconic in itself, and it will be interesting to see whether Macleod will try to mimic her voice, or to go in a completely different direction with how she chooses to voice the character. Her familiarity with the show should help to make the transition a smoother one.
Our Take On Milhouse’s Recasting
It’s A Good Opportunity For The Show To Try Something New As It Nears A Potential End
Earlier in the month,Fox announced that it had renewedThe Simpsonsfor four more seasons, taking the show to a total of 40 seasons. This feels like it would be a good end point for the show, which leaves four more seasons for Macleod to explore the role of Milhouse, and for the show to try something a little different. WhilstThe Simpsonsrecast Mr. Burns and Ned Flandersearly in its run, Milhouse is one of the most iconic recent characters to have been recast, and this will help to usher in a new era forThe Simpsons.
The Simpsons
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The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
