Legendary TV writer and producer Sam Simon passed away today after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 59 years old.
Simon is best known as a co-creator of The Simpsons, one of the most beloved and longest-running comedies in television history.
In recent years, Simon devoted himself to philanthropic pursuits, and in 2013, he pledged to donate all of his Simpsons royalties to charity.
Since that time, Simon has made good on his word, offering tens of millions of dollars in annual gifts to various charitable organizations through the Sam Simon Foundation.
While so many were affected by Simon’s humanitarian work, for millions of Simpsons fans, he will always be most fondly remembered as the man who helped perfect the combination of intelligence, humor and heart that’s made the show an enduring hit for nearly three decades.
Though he left the show in its fourth season, Simon has the distinct honor of having written the first words uttered by Homer Simpson way back in 1987.
He went on to produce some of the show’s most classic early episodes.
“For those of us who knew him, his voice will forever echo through our minds,” reads a statement from Simon’s foundation.
“His sense of humor will continue to make us laugh; and his compassion and generosity will continue to impact our lives.”
Simon passed away at his home in Los Angeles, in the company of his family and his beloved dog.