Following a long and inspiring battle against colorectal cancer, Sam Simon died at the age of 59 on Sunday.
An accomplished director and producer, Simon was best known for co-creating The Simpsons… and then later in life for choosing to give away his fortune once he was diagnosed with his fatal disease.
Prior to Simon’s passing, The Sam Simon Foundation donated millions of dollars to save rescue dogs and help prolong the lives of countless animals in medical need.
Following his death, countless took to social media to mourn Sam Simon and to pay him tribute…
Matt Groening, Simpsons Creator/Executive Producer: "We will miss Sam’s phenomenal talents, sharp intelligence, and sly sense of humor. He is gone from our industry too soon."
Al Jean, Simpsons Showrunner: "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."
Nancy Cartwright: "There is no doubt that he was very instrumental in the amazing show we call The Simpsons. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Conan O’Brien: "Sam Simon’s contribution to the spirit of sharp, well-observed comedy is incalculable. Awful to lose such a gifted & genuinely good guy."
Maria Shriver: “So sad to hear about Sam Simon’s passing. Thank you @simonsam for all you did to make other’s lives better. Yours was a life lived well.”
Ricky Gervais: "RIP Sam Simon. Heroic humanitarian & genius co-creator of The Simpsons. D’oh, indeed."
Katey Sagal: "#SamSimon rest in peace. Thank you for all the decades of creativity."
Alyssa Milano: “Rest in peace, Sam Simon. You were a true inspiration in every sense of the word.”
Willie Garson: “R.I.P. @simonsam…….He was smart, funny, generous, and taught us all a hell of alot about dignity…..go in peace friend…..”
Jason Biggs: “A beautiful example of a person who truly made the most of his time left with us.”