Sam Simon, one of the major creators of the highly successful animated show, “The Simpsons,” died on Sunday at Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles, his foundation announced on Facebook. The nine-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and producer was 59. Simon is also known for donating his millions to various charitable organisations.

The Hollywood mogul was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer in February 2013 and was undergoing chemotheraphy for the same. “It is with much sadness that we must let you know that Sam Simon has passed over," the Facebook message read. "We all miss him, and in his honor, we will continue bringing his vision to light through our work at The Sam Simon Foundation," said the foundation adding that the legend has received “many greetings across that Rainbow Bridge.”

Simon famously developed "The Simpsons" with Matt Groening and producer James L. Brooks. He played a crucial role in the animated series that eventually evolved into a half-hour television series. The show debuted on Fox on Dec. 17, 1989 and became the longest-running sitcom in the history of American television.

At the age of 23, Simon served as the writer for the sitcom "Taxi" and also produced (and wrote) "Cheers" and "The Drew Carey Show," said CNN. He was also the mastermind behind the 20th Century Fox comedy film "The Super,” released in 1991. Most recently, Simon was also a consultant on the Charlie Sheen series "Anger Management.”

A cartoonist and Stanford graduate, Simon gave away most of the money he earned to charities close to his heart. He started a foundation that enabled dogs to provide love and warmth to physically handicapped people from various spheres of life including war veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, writes New York Times. He also donated his hard-earned money to various groups, such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. In 2013, PETA renamed its headquarters in Norfolk, Va to the Sam Simon Center.

After he received the news of his terminal cancer, Simon decided to donate all his royalties from “The Simpsons” too to the charities. He was married to the actress and poker player Jennifer Tilly and a Playboy model Jami Ferrell but both marriages ended in divorce. Simpson was good friends with Jennifer, who reportedly accompanied him to all of his chemotherapy sessions, according to Vanity Fair.

For any questions/comments on the article, you may contact the writer at: n.tewari@ibtimes.com.au

RELATED STORIES