Milhouse Gets a New Voice as The Simpsons Welcomes Singer Kelly Macleod
Credit: Unsplash
The Simpsons surprises fans with a musical twist as Kelly Macleod steps in to voice Milhouse
In a surprise move that’s sure to shake up Springfield, The Simpsons has officially revealed the new voice of one of its most beloved nerds. After Pamela Hayden’s recent retirement, the long-running animated series is handing over Milhouse Van Houten’s thick glasses and nasal tone to none other than singer Kelly Macleod.
Yes, you read that right—a rock singer is stepping into Milhouse’s shoes, and everything is, once again, coming up Milhouse.
From Stage to Sound Booth
Kelly Macleod might not be a household name for Simpsons fans yet, but she’s no stranger to the show. In 2022, she appeared in the Season 33 episode “Bart the Cool Kid”, performing the song “Two Badges, One Mind” alongside guest stars The Weeknd and Michael Rapaport. Now, she’s moving from musical cameo to full-fledged character voice, officially debuting as Milhouse in this Sunday’s Season 36 finale, titled “Estranger Things.”
It’s a subtle debut—Milhouse reportedly has just one line in the episode, which features an adult version of the character. So, while fans won’t get a full taste of Macleod’s Milhouse just yet, it marks the beginning of a new era for the blue-haired sidekick.
Meet Kelly Macleod
For those unfamiliar with Macleod’s résumé, her background is a fascinating mix of music and acting. She launched her career in the late ’80s with the rock band Private Life, whose albums were produced by legends Eddie Van Halen and Ted Templeman. Their song “Touch Me” found its way onto iconic soundtracks like Wayne’s World and Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
She later performed with the Americana group The Sweet Potatoes and released a solo album titled Wide Open in 2021. With her eclectic career and expressive voice, Macleod brings a fresh, unexpected energy to Milhouse—and that’s exactly what the character needs as the show heads toward Season 37 and beyond.
A Fond Farewell to Pamela Hayden
Pamela Hayden’s retirement marks the end of an era. She voiced Milhouse for over three decades, bringing to life his awkward charm and infamous lines (“But my mom says I’m cool!”). She also voiced a host of other Springfield residents, including Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, and Malibu Stacy.
In her farewell message, Hayden wrote:
“It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show… I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”
Her legacy as Milhouse is unforgettable, and her shoes (or should we say sneakers?) are certainly big ones to fill.
What’s Next for Milhouse?
While Macleod’s debut is brief, fans are already curious about how the character will evolve. Will she tweak Milhouse’s iconic squeaky tone? Add new quirks? Or stay completely true to Hayden’s portrayal?
One thing’s for sure: after 36 seasons, The Simpsons is still full of surprises—and its casting choices continue to keep longtime viewers on their toes.
Catch Kelly Macleod’s Milhouse debut in The Simpsons Season 36 finale airing Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. And keep your ears open—there’s a new nerd in town.
