AceShowbiz - After 35 years of bringing Bart's best friend Milhouse Van Houten to life, Pamela Hayden is retiring from "The Simpsons". Her final episode airs Sunday night, titled "Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes".

Hayden's decision to leave was not an easy one, but she felt it was time for her to focus on other creative projects, including filmmaking. "How many actors can say they've worked on a show for 35 years straight?" she told Variety. "That alone is amazing. But it was time for me to devote my time to other creative endeavors."

During her time on "The Simpsons", Hayden has also voiced characters such as Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Chief Wiggum's wife Sarah, and Lisa's friend Janey Powell. She is grateful for the relationships she has built with her fellow cast and producers, describing them as "finely drawn characters."

Hayden's exit from the show has been in the works for a while due to the long lead time required for animation. The producers plan to audition a new actor to take over the roles of Milhouse and Hayden's other characters.

In addition to her acting career, Hayden has directed and produced documentaries. She is currently working on a musical that she co-wrote the book and lyrics for.

Even though she is leaving "The Simpsons," Hayden expects to continue hearing from fans who share their favorite Milhouse moments and quotes. "Everybody has their own favorite," she said. "What I liked about Milhouse is even though he gets kicked around, he always feels like tomorrow's going to be a better day. And I think that's great. It's a good analogy for life."

"The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening praised Hayden's contributions to the show, saying, "She 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."