The Simpsons reveals star who will voice iconic character as original actor replaced after 35 years in role

Daily Mail​

21-05-2025

The star who will voice an iconic character in The Simpsons has been revealed as the original actor is replaced after 35 years in the role.
Last year, it was announced actress Pamela Hayden, 71, would be retiring from the animated Fox series.
She portrayed Milhouse Van Houten - one of Bart Simpson's friends known for his nerdy antics and a character who has been a staple part of the show since 1989.
He also is also particularly known for his long crush on Lisa, Bart's younger sister.
Now, it has been confirmed that Pamela will be replaced by Kelly Macleod who is the lead singer of female-fronted rock band Private Life.
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She portrayed Milhouse Van Houten (centre) - one of Bart Simpson's friends known for his nerdy antics and a character who has been a staple part of the show since 1989
Kelly made her debut on The Simpsons as Milhouse in the final episode of season 35 last weekend.
It wasn't her first time on the show, the singer also portrayed a minor character back in 2022.
As for Pamela, she also voiced a variety of other characters during her time on The Simpsons, including Jimbo Jones and Chief Wiggum's wife, Sarah Wiggum.
In a statement, per Deadline, Hayden expressed, '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).'
Pamela continued, '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.'
One of Pamela's other characters, sixth-grade bully Jimbo Jones had been a part of the beloved show since episode eight of the first season back in 1990.
The menacing student became known for picking on Bart Simpson (Nancy Cartwright) and was originally played by Tress MacNeille, 73.
Pamela took over the role in the second season and had portrayed the pesky character ever since.
Last month it was been revealed who exactly had taken on Jimbo's role - Mo Collins, 59.
She featured as the school bully for the very first time on Sunday's episode, P.S. I Hate You.
The comic starred as several different characters in more than 150 episodes of sketch comedy MadTV.
She announced her new endeavour on Instagram and posted: 'Some exciting news I've been waiting to share!
'I will be taking over as the voice of Jimbo Jones on the Simpsons! Big shoes to fill. Pamela Hayden has retired, and now remains a legend! Well earned!!
'Getting that first script and seeing my name on it? Cool!! Stepping into that massive studio? Cool!! Hearing my voice to the animatics?!!
'So cool!! Huge thanks to the producers of the show, especially Mike Price, whom I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with on F is For Family, and (currently) Lil Kev (watch it! It's soo good! BET+) This is RAD!!!
The Simpsons is available to stream on E4 and Disney+.