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The Simpsons has 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 Simpsons turned Milhouse into one of the most important side characters, and his impact on the show cannot be understated.
Per EW, the show has recast the actor voicing Milhouse in the show, with singer 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 as The Simpsons has 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 for The 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 Simpsons season 36 finale airs on Fox on Sunday, May 18.
The singer’s true tenure as Milhouse will begin with The Simpsons season 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 renewed The Simpsons for 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. Whilst The Simpsons recast Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders early 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 for The Simpsons.
Source: EW
The Simpsons
9/10
- Release Date
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December 17, 1989
- Network
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FOX