The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon passed away on Sunday at the age of 59 after a long battle with cancer.
“It is with much sadness that we must let you know that Sam Simon has passed over,” The Sam Simon Foundation said on Facebook today. “We all miss him, and in his honor, we will continue bringing his vision to light through our work at The Sam Simon Foundation. We take comfort in knowing how many greetings he is receiving across that Rainbow Bridge. We love you Sam!”
Although Sam may be best-known for developing The Simpsons with Matt Groenig and James L. Brooks in 1989, he was a dedicated philanthropist and activist. Among other charitable acts: His foundation serves to “save the lives of dogs” and “enrich the lives of people.” He was so active in PETA that the organization renamed their Virginia headquarters in his honor. He donated a Japanese whaling vessel worth millions to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
After he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012 and given only months to live, Sam vowed to give his full $100 fortune to charity.
Tributes to Sam are already coming in from his peers and admirers…
.@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever Just heard terrible news of death of @simonsam. A great man; I owe him everything.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015
Essential advice to writers from the late Sam Simon: "Love your characters."
— Matt Selman (@mattselman) March 9, 2015
Rest in peace, Sam Simon. You were a true inspiration in every sense of the word.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 9, 2015
RIP.
