Longtime Simpsons character’s voice is being replaced by new actor for first time in 35 years
The Simpsons is having a shake-up, as one of the show's longest serving voice actors has just been replaced.
After a whopping 35 years, viewers will now hear a new voice radiating out of this fan-favourite, who has been a part of the hit sitcom since its first season.
In November last year, Pamela Hayden - best known for being the voice behind the iconic character Milhouse Van Houten - announced she was 'hanging up her microphone'.
The 71-year-old revealed she was retiring after more than three decades and almost 700 episodes of The Simpsons.
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In a statement saying goodbye to fans, she said: "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 honour 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.
"I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses."
It has not yet been revealed who will now bring Milhouse's words to life, however, the replacement for one of Hayden's other popular characters has been confirmed.
Corky Jimmy 'Jimbo' Jones - also known as James, Jamesbo, and Hector Gutierrez - who is better known as one of Springfield's school bullies, will now be voiced by comedian and MadTV star Mo Collins.
The 59-year-old made her debut as the sixth-grade student in episode 13 of season 36, titled 'P.S. I Hate You' which aired in the US on Sunday (13 April).
Although she's got huge shoes to fill while replacing Hayden, The Simpsons fans seem to think she did a decent job of embodying the purple beanie-wearing character known for his bad attitude.
People shared their thoughts on the decision to cast Collins in the comment section of a post shared by The Simpsons official Instagram account which announced her first appearance.
The caption of the post read: "Dude…Jimbo Jones gets a new voice…actor. Actor Mo Collins will take over voicing 'The Simpsons' bully Jimbo Jones."
One person wrote: "Congratulations to Mo Collins!"
Another said: "Best of luck to Mo, wear that beanie with pride," while a third added: "I'm so glad you’re not writing Jimbo out of the series."
And a fourth speculated: "Bro's finally gonna go through puberty."
It's not the first time the Parks and Recreation star has lent her voice to a production, as Collins has showed off her vocal talents in an impressive range of animation series.
These include Family Guy,The Fairly OddParents, Lil Kev, Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Puppy Dog Pals, Paw Patrol and F Is for Family.
Needless to say, this isn't her first rodeo - but she admitted she was feeling a bit nervous about taking over from Hayden in a social media post ahead of her debut.
Collins wrote: "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!!! My first episode airs Sunday (gulp!!) I’m so happy to share this news with you!"
Milhouse remains the only character of Hayden's who is still in search of a replacement, while Chris Edgerly took on the role of Rod Flanders last year.
Here's to a new era of Jimbo Jones!
Topics: The Simpsons, TV and Film, Entertainment, Celebrity
Olivia Burke