The Simpsons voice actor retires from voicing iconic main character and fans are devastated

The voice actor behind one of The Simpsons' most iconic characters has announced her retirement after being on the show from day one.

The TV show has been around for so long at this point that it's hard to imagine certain character's without their voice - after all, what is Homer Simpson without his iconic 'D'oh'?

And for the last 35 years, we've subconsciously gotten used to hearing voice actors feature as multiple characters, however, one of the sitcom's longest-running cast members has retired from The Simpsons' sound booth.

While you might not be able to put Pamela Hayden's face to her characters, but you'll definitely know who they are.

During her time at The Simpsons, Hayden has voiced Springfield's local bully, Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, and most notably, Milhouse Van Houten, Bart's long-suffering best friend.

While you probably wouldn't be able to tell from her impression of Flanders, Jimbo should give it a way - after all Milhouse and Jimbo do sound similar... at least they do to me.

However, the voice actor is now stepping down from her role of five decades.

Pamela Hayden has confirmed that she is retiring from The Simpsons (Instagram/thesimpsons)

Hayden's retirement was announced through the official The Simpsons Instagram account, alongside a montage dedicated to her featuring some of her most famous Milhouse moments.

The caption read: "Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so many more, Pamela Hayden."

It also came alongside confirmation that her final episode will be the upcoming Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes airing on Sunday (November 24).

"The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons?……not easily," Hayden said in a statement.

"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.

Pamela Hayden voiced Milhouse for five decades (Instagram/pamelaahayden)

"I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses."

And shocked fans have taken to Twitter to share their mutual devastation, as one person commented: "My childhood goats getting old."

Another typed: "What a end to a beautiful era."

A third tweeted: "Thank you, Pamela Hayden, for 35 incredible years of bringing depth and humor to Springfield! Your contributions to The Simpsons will forever be cherished."

While a fourth added on the social media platform: "I will miss her voice on the show (yes I still watch the simpsons lol)."