Sam Simon, the co-creator and original screenwriter of The Simpsons, has died at the age of 59. He had been fighting colorectal cancer, a battle which he lost Sunday at his home in Los Angeles.
Along with James L. Brooks and Matt Groening, Simon created The Simpsons in 1989. He was responsible for hiring the show’s initial writing staff and also co-wrote eight early episodes. Due to straining relationships with Brooks and Groening, Simon left The Simpsons in 1993, but he remained listed as one of the show’s executive producers and, as such, earned millions over the years. He gave away most of his fortune to animal advocacy groups and charities.
(Read: The Top 10 Songs from The Simpsons)
Additionally, Simon wrote and produced for shows including Taxi, Cheers, and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. He co-created The George Carlin Show and served as a director for The Drew Carey Show.
For his work, Simon won nine Emmy Awards.
