By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/sam-simon-co-developer-simpsons-dies-59 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Sam Simon, co-developer of ‘The Simpsons,’ dies at 59 Nation Mar 9, 2015 5:33 PM EDT Sam Simon, a television producer and writer who co-developed the long-running series “The Simpsons,” died on Sunday at the age of 59. Simon started his career as a storyboard artist for Filmation Studios, before joining the writing staff of the sitcom “Taxi.” In 1989, after stints writing and producing shows including “Cheers” and “The Tracey Ullman Show,” Simon played a crucial role in adapting “The Simpsons” from a series of short animated sketches created for “Ullman” into a primetime, half-hour sitcom. He remained with the show for four seasons, eventually leaving in 1993 after continued clashes with “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, before moving on to projects including “The George Carlin Show” and “The Drew Carey Show.” His departure from “The Simpsons” included a lucrative deal that saw Simon remain credited as Executive Producer and receive royalties — which he claimed earned him “tens of millions of dollars” annually. Simon used his wealth to become a philanthropist and an active campaigner for animal rights, creating the Sam Simon Foundation, an organization that rescues and trains dogs to assist with disabled persons, as well as contributing his earnings to organizations that include Save the Children, PETA, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a vegan food bank and a Los Angeles mobile veterinary clinic, among others. “One thing is, I get pleasure from it,” he told the Hollywood Reporter in 2013. “I love it. I don’t feel like it is an obligation.” In 2012, Simon was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Given only months to live, the producer vowed to give away the majority of his fortune to charity. “The truth is, I have more money than I’m interested in spending,” said Simon. “Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.” Several “Simpsons” staff members, including Al Jean, who has been involved with the show off and on since its 1989 start, spoke about Simon’s death on Twitter. .@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever Just heard terrible news of death of @simonsam. A great man; I owe him everything. — Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015 .@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever If you would like to honor Sam's memory, do something nice for the next animal you meet. An enormous loss. — Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015 Essential advice to writers from the late Sam Simon: "Love your characters." — Matt Selman (@mattselman) March 9, 2015 We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti is the digital video producer at PBS NewsHour. @JSkl
Sam Simon, a television producer and writer who co-developed the long-running series “The Simpsons,” died on Sunday at the age of 59. Simon started his career as a storyboard artist for Filmation Studios, before joining the writing staff of the sitcom “Taxi.” In 1989, after stints writing and producing shows including “Cheers” and “The Tracey Ullman Show,” Simon played a crucial role in adapting “The Simpsons” from a series of short animated sketches created for “Ullman” into a primetime, half-hour sitcom. He remained with the show for four seasons, eventually leaving in 1993 after continued clashes with “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, before moving on to projects including “The George Carlin Show” and “The Drew Carey Show.” His departure from “The Simpsons” included a lucrative deal that saw Simon remain credited as Executive Producer and receive royalties — which he claimed earned him “tens of millions of dollars” annually. Simon used his wealth to become a philanthropist and an active campaigner for animal rights, creating the Sam Simon Foundation, an organization that rescues and trains dogs to assist with disabled persons, as well as contributing his earnings to organizations that include Save the Children, PETA, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a vegan food bank and a Los Angeles mobile veterinary clinic, among others. “One thing is, I get pleasure from it,” he told the Hollywood Reporter in 2013. “I love it. I don’t feel like it is an obligation.” In 2012, Simon was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Given only months to live, the producer vowed to give away the majority of his fortune to charity. “The truth is, I have more money than I’m interested in spending,” said Simon. “Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.” Several “Simpsons” staff members, including Al Jean, who has been involved with the show off and on since its 1989 start, spoke about Simon’s death on Twitter. .@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever Just heard terrible news of death of @simonsam. A great man; I owe him everything. — Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015 .@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever If you would like to honor Sam's memory, do something nice for the next animal you meet. An enormous loss. — Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015 Essential advice to writers from the late Sam Simon: "Love your characters." — Matt Selman (@mattselman) March 9, 2015 We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now