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The New Voice of Milhouse on The Simpsons

Milhouse Gets a New Voice
Who Is Kelly Macleod?
Macleod's First Episode as Milhouse
A Look Back at Pamela Hayden’s Career
Why Voice Actors Matter in Animation
The Power of Animated Characters
How You Can Become a Voice in Animation
Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve ever watched The Simpsons, you know Milhouse — Bart’s awkward, blue-haired best friend with glasses and a big heart. After years of hearing his voice come to life through Pamela Hayden, things are about to change.

Pamela Hayden, who has voiced Milhouse since The Simpsons first aired in 1989, has officially retired from the show. That’s right — one of the most iconic voices in television animation is stepping down. But don’t worry, the story isn’t ending. In true animation fashion, it’s just evolving.

It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show, Hayden said in her farewell.

So who’s the new voice behind Milhouse? Say hello to Kelly Macleod.

Who Is Kelly Macleod?

Kelly Macleod might be new to voicing Milhouse, but she’s no stranger to The Simpsons — or to the world of entertainment. She first appeared on the show in 2022, singing a song in an episode called "Bart the Cool Kid." That episode also featured music superstar The Weeknd.

Before that, Macleod was part of a rock band called Private Life. They even had their albums produced by Eddie Van Halen — yes, the Eddie Van Halen! Their track “Touch Me” appeared in not one, but two iconic movies: Wayne’s World and Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Everything’s coming up Milhouse again, says Entertainment Weekly — and with someone like Macleod stepping in, it definitely feels that way.

In 2021, she released a solo album called Wide Open, showing off her creative chops even more. She’s also acted in a short film and spent years performing with a group called The Sweet Potatoes. All in all, Macleod is a creative powerhouse.

Macleod’s First Episode as Milhouse

Kelly Macleod’s first official moment as the voice of Milhouse will happen in The Simpsons season finale titled “Estranger Things.” In the episode, Bart and Lisa stop watching Itchy & Scratchy together, and their mom, Marge, gets worried about them drifting apart.

Milhouse only has one line in the episode, and here’s the fun twist — it takes place in the future, when Bart, Lisa, and Milhouse are all grown-ups. So don’t be surprised if their voices sound a little different than usual.

Still, this marks a big moment in The Simpsons' history, and animation fans everywhere are paying attention.

A Look Back at Pamela Hayden’s Career

Pamela Hayden was more than just Milhouse. She also gave voice to characters like Jimbo Jones (the bully), Rod Flanders (Ned Flanders’ son), Janey (Lisa’s friend), and even Malibu Stacy (a fictional doll on the show). For over 30 years, she helped build the animation world of The Simpsons.

I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses, Hayden wrote in her farewell note.

Her voice helped make Milhouse feel real — not just a cartoon, but someone you could relate to. That’s the magic of voice acting in animation.

Why Voice Actors Matter in Animation

In animation, voices bring characters to life. You could have the most beautifully animated scenes, but without the right voice, it won’t connect emotionally. A good voice actor gives the character:

Emotion
Timing
Personality
Depth

Think about your favorite animated characters. Now imagine them with a completely different voice. It just wouldn’t be the same, right?

Whether it’s Milhouse or SpongeBob or Elsa from Frozen, their voices are part of what makes them unforgettable. Voice actors are the secret superheroes of animation.

The Power of Animated Characters

Animated characters like Milhouse teach us lessons, make us laugh, and sometimes even make us cry. Animation is powerful because:

It allows creators to explore ideas in wild and imaginative ways.
It connects with people of all ages — kids, teens, and adults.
It makes storytelling limitless. If you can imagine it, you can animate it.

Shows like The Simpsons have changed pop culture and inspired entire generations of fans to get into animation careers — from writing and drawing to acting and producing.

How You Can Become a Voice in Animation

Do you love doing impressions? Ever dreamed of being the voice behind a cool cartoon character? You don’t have to wait for Hollywood to call. Here’s how you can start working toward a voice acting career in animation right now:

1. Practice at Home Record your voice reading books or scripts. Try doing different voices and accents.

2. Watch and Listen Pay close attention to how characters in animated shows express emotion.

3. Take Classes Join a voice acting or animation school where you can learn from professionals.

4. Build a Demo Reel Once you're confident, record short voice clips that show your range.

5. Connect with Others Follow animators and actors online. Attend workshops and animation events.

If you're serious about a career in animation, voice acting is just one of many exciting paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is animation such a big part of TV and movies? Because it allows creators to tell impossible stories in amazing ways — things you couldn’t film in real life can be animated with total freedom.

How long does it take to become a voice actor in animation? It depends on your dedication and practice. Some people train for years, others break through quickly with the right talent and training.

Is it hard to change a voice actor in a long-running animated series? Yes! Fans get attached to voices, so replacing someone like Pamela Hayden is a big deal. But animation is about change and creativity, and new voices can bring new life to characters.

Can I study animation online? Absolutely. There are great schools like VANAS that offer online programs in Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Games so you can study from home.

Do I need to know how to draw to work in animation? Not always! Animation careers include writing, voice acting, sound design, and project management — drawing is just one part of the puzzle.

Animation is always changing — just like the voices behind our favorite characters. Pamela Hayden gave us years of joy as Milhouse, and now Kelly Macleod is ready to bring something new. It’s a great reminder that animation isn’t just about pictures — it’s about voices, stories, and the people who bring it all to life.

Here’s to everyone who made this terrific ride I’ve been on possible, Hayden wrote. It’s a ride that continues with every new voice and every new story.

Author: VANAS Team