Sam Simon (1955 -2015)
The co-creator of “The Simpsons”, Sam Simon has passed away. He was 59. The 9 time Emmy Award winner began his career writing for “Fat Albert and The Cosby Kids” in 1970s and went on to write, direct and produce for shows like “Cheers”, “Barney Miller”, “Taxi”, “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”, “The Tracey Ullman Show”, “The Drew Carey Show”, “The George Carlin Show” as well as the longest running sitcom in television history, “The Simpsons”.
Sam Simon developed “The Simpsons” along with creator Matt Groening when Simon worked as a writer on “The Tracey Ullman Show” under the direction of executive producer James L. Brooks. While Groening had the original concept for the Simpson family, Simon is credited with bringing the animated town of Springfield to life, creating side characters and using the same techniques he used to write live action sitcoms, including having the writing staff work in a collaborative effort. Something that wasn’t done in cartoons. The series debuted in 1989 and Simon left the show after just 4 seasons in 1993.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, The Simpsons’ executive producer and showrunner Al Jean put out a statement remembering Sam Simon, “He was a genius and a great humanitarian in ways public and private. I personally owe him more than can be repaid, but I will do my best to help every animal I can in his memory.”
Matt Groening who created the series with Sam Simon said, “We will miss Sam’s phenomenal talents, sharp intelligence, and sly sense of humor. He is gone from our industry too soon.”
Sam Simon was also known for his philanthropy and his work with animals as much as his television work. He created the Sam Simon Foundation which is dedicated to rescuing dogs, he financed a traveling veterinary clinic for people who couldn’t afford health care for their pets and worked closely with PETA. He even spent his later years buying zoos just so he could free the animals from captivity.
People who worked with or loved Sam Simon, or both, reached out with their condolences on Twitter.
Sam Simon's contribution to the spirit of sharp, well-observed comedy is incalculable. Awful to lose such a gifted & genuinely good guy.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) March 9, 2015
Rest in peace and thank you for The Simpsons, Sam Simon.
— Hank Azaria (@HankAzaria) March 9, 2015
.@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
Thank you Sam Simon.
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) March 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/normmacdonald/status/575033454145884160
RIP @simonsam! A fighter. He lived it.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) March 9, 2015
May heaven embrace you Sam Simon. RIP http://t.co/MPw8wRaLZF pic.twitter.com/3NV4IBsamS
— Martha Quinn (@MarthaQuinn) March 9, 2015
Yes, he was a brilliant writer, but I have so much respect for Sam Simon's tireless work on behalf of animals. We lost a hero.#RIPSamSimon
— Steve Levitan (@SteveLevitan) March 9, 2015
Heartbreaking news. Sam Simon,co creator of the Simpsons has died. a comedy genius & a friend to all and all animals. condolences to family
— Fred Willard (@Fred_Willard) March 9, 2015
Sam Simon wrote on my first series, IGSS. Sam was like a hilarious hurricane in the writer's room. His force will be
missed. #RIPSamSimon— Garry Shandling (@GarryShandling) March 9, 2015
Sam Simon was hilarious & compassionate. When we got together, as we did often during his battle, we always had fun. I will miss Sam. -Al
— Al Franken (@alfranken) March 9, 2015
Sad to hear Sam Simon is gone. If comedy had a flag it would be at half mast today. Hope to see you again Sam. I will get it right next time
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) March 9, 2015
