Sam Simon
Discover the life of Sam Simon (1955–2015): co-creator of The Simpsons, his creative contributions, philanthropy, activism, and enduring legacy on television and beyond.
Introduction
Sam Simon (June 6, 1955 – March 8, 2015) was an American television writer, producer, director, and philanthropist best known as one of the original creative forces behind The Simpsons. While Matt Groening is often credited publicly with the show’s creation, Simon’s influence shaped its tone, character depth, humor, and long-lasting success. Over his life, Simon also devoted enormous resources to animal rights, charity, and social causes, making his legacy one that spans both entertainment and activism.
In this article, we will trace his early years, his creative career, his philosophy & activism, memorable quotes, and lessons from his path.
Early Life and Family
Samuel Michael Simon was born on June 6, 1955, in Los Angeles, California.
As a young boy, Simon appeared on televised local art programs and pursued drawing and cartoons.
He attended Beverly Hills High School, where he was active in cartooning (for the school newspaper) and once was named “Most Talented” and “Most Humorous” in his senior yearbook.
After high school, he studied at Stanford University, graduating around 1977. The Stanford Daily and also for newspapers in the San Francisco area.
Creative Beginnings & Television Career
Early work in animation and sitcoms
After Stanford, Sam Simon began working as a storyboard artist and writer at Filmation Studios, contributing to animated shows like Mighty Mouse, Heckle & Jeckle, and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.
He submitted a spec script to Taxi (the sitcom), which was accepted and aired in 1981. Taxi. Cheers (early seasons) and worked on It’s Garry Shandling’s Show among others.
In 1991, Simon wrote the film The Super.
The Simpsons and its rise
Simon co-developed The Simpsons along with Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. The Simpsons appeared as short cartoons on The Tracey Ullman Show, before being spun off into its own series in 1989.
Simon served as executive producer, showrunner, and creative supervisor during the first few seasons.
Many collaborators credit Simon with pushing The Simpsons to be more character-driven, emotionally honest, and thematically rich.
By 1993 (after about four seasons), Simon left active work on The Simpsons, citing creative fatigue and tensions, but negotiated a contract that allowed him to retain profit participation and an executive producer credit in perpetuity.
Even after his departure, he continued earning significant revenues from the show’s syndication, home video, and merchandising.
Later work & direction
After leaving The Simpsons, Simon tried new projects. He co-created The George Carlin Show (1994) and served as showrunner, directing episodes as well. Friends, Men Behaving Badly, The Drew Carey Show, The Norm Show, and The Michael Richards Show, among others.
He also served in executive and creative roles in media and gaming; for a while he was President of e-Nexus Studios (an entertainment content arm linked to ZeniMax Media) and worked with ZeniMax Productions.
Simon gradually reduced his involvement in television, turning more toward other interests, activism, and philanthropy.
Activism, Philanthropy & Later Life
Animal rights & the Sam Simon Foundation
Simon was deeply committed to animal welfare and veganism. He joined PETA around 2000 and maintained a strong public stance against animal cruelty. Sam Simon Foundation, which among other work operates a mobile veterinary clinic offering free surgeries for cats and dogs in underserved neighborhoods, rescues and retrains shelter dogs (including training service animals), and supports veteran assistance organizations.
He also created Feeding Families, a project delivering vegan meals to low-income families. MY Sam Simon, used in marine conservation efforts.
Simon put most of his wealth into these causes; by late life, he had pledged to donate his entire fortune (estimated at ~$100 million) to charitable causes.
His home in Pacific Palisades was rebuilt after a fire in 2007 to be environmentally friendly, with recycled materials and solar power.
Illness and passing
In late 2012, Simon was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer, which metastasized.
During these years, he became transparent about his illness, publicly shared his treatments, and remained dedicated to his philanthropic work.
He passed away at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, at age 59.
He was interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Personality, Vision & Influence
Sam Simon was known as brilliant, unpredictable, scrappy, and uncompromising.
Yet, despite outward tension, his collaborators (writers, animators) credit him for pushing boundaries, demanding emotional honesty, and elevating the comedic tone of The Simpsons.
In his later years, Simon embraced humility, awareness, and legacy. He shifted from the spotlight to giving, acknowledging that he had more wealth than he needed, and focusing on impact over fame.
His impact extends into multiple domains: television (through The Simpsons’ continued run), animation writing, philanthropy (especially animal welfare), and influencing how TV creators think about balancing art and ethics.
Notable Quotes by Sam Simon
While Simon was not known as a quotable public figure like some, a few remarks capture his outlook:
“The truth is, I have more money than I’m interested in spending. Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.”
—on giving his fortune away
“I go crazy. I hate myself”
—reflecting on how working in television would push him to the edge.
“Your money can bring success [in charity] … visible results”
—on philanthropy and why he focused on causes where action yields real change
“I wanted all the actors in a room together … The Simpsons would have been a great radio show.”
—on his storytelling philosophy, favoring ensemble and character over isolated jokes
These quotes show his tension between creative drive, personal struggle, and desire to make a positive difference.
Lessons from Sam Simon’s Journey
-
Collaboration + vision create enduring art
The Simpsons flourished because Simon worked with diverse talents but held firm visions about tone, character, and narrative depth. -
Don’t shy from conflict if it advances the work
While sometimes contentious, Simon challenged collaborators, which in many accounts pushed them to better work. -
Pivot from success into purpose
Simon escaped burnout by redirecting his energies toward causes he deeply cared about, showing that legacy can outshine fame. -
Create structures to preserve creative control
His contract with The Simpsons allowed him to continue benefiting from the show even after leaving—ensuring long-term influence. -
Charity with impact matters more than publicity
Rather than seeking recognition, Simon invested quietly in projects with measurable effects (vet clinics, rescue, feeding programs). -
Embrace mortality to sharpen purpose
His terminal diagnosis galvanized him to give away nearly everything and double down on what he believed would last.
Conclusion
Sam Simon’s life was a tapestry of creative brilliance, artistic struggle, and deeply felt compassion. He may be best known as one of The Simpsons’ architects, but his influence stretches beyond animation—into ethics, activism, and legacy.
His story offers a powerful reminder: success is not only in the shows we build but in how we use our resources, voice, and time. Even as The Simpsons continues its run, Simon’s quieter legacy—of giving, of challenging, of caring—remains a testament to a life that aspired to be more than entertainment.
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