Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon dies at 59

Mar 9, 2015 at 4:41 pm

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After a nearly three-year-long battle with colon cancer, Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon has died.

The nine-time Emmy winner left the series after the fourth season, but still had a huge hand in shaping the iconic show.

Along with writing for several other classic series, Simon was known for donating to both the Sam Simon Foundation as well as regularly making charitable offerings to help animal-related nonprofits. In fact, in a podcast in 2013 he noted that he's given most of his fortune away to help altruistic endeavors.

Back in October we spoke to Simpsons founding writer and metro Detroit native Al Jean about the show's references to Detroit, whether it's Soupy Sales, Gordie Howe, or the incinerator. While Simon wasn't from Michigan, his help crafting the cast of characters on the iconic show surely helped shape the special way Detroiters appreciate the cartoon.

click to enlarge

image via wikipedia

Sam Simon in 2008 before his cancer diagnosis.

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Alysa Zavala-Offman

Alysa Zavala-Offman is the managing editor of Detroit Metro Times. She lives in the downriver city of Wyandotte with her husband, toddler, mutt, and two orange cats.