Voice behind top Simpsons character quits after 35 years on hit show

The voice actor behind Milhouse Van Houten - Bart Simpson's very uncool friend - is stepping away after 35 years on the show.

Pamela Hayden, who also voiced Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey and Malibu Stacy, will sign off from The Simpsons on 24 November in a Treehouse of Horror episode.

"It's been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show," the 70-year-old said in a statement.

Show creator Matt Groening said: "Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield.

"She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her."

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Milhouse first appeared in a Butterfinger commercial in 1989 and was named after former US president Richard Milhous Nixon.

Groening said he adopted it "because that was the most unfortunate name a kid could have".

The nearsighted character was often the butt of most jokes and bullied mercilessly by Nelson.

In one episode, Bart got Milhouse placed on the America's Most Wanted list.

(c) Sky News 2024: Voice behind top Simpsons character quits after 35 years on hit show