Hollywood Pays Tribute to 'The Simpsons' Co-Creator Sam Simon
Celebrity

Sam passed away on Sunday, March 8 in his home in Los Angeles after losing his battle with colorectal cancer.

AceShowbiz - Sam Simon, one of the co-creators of famous animated series "The Simpsons", passed away at the age 59 on Sunday, March 8 in his home in Los Angeles after losing his battle with colorectal cancer. The Sam Simon Foundation confirmed the sad news in a statement posted on Facebook.

The statement read, "It is with much sadness that we must let you know that Sam Simon has passed over. We all miss him, and in his honor, we will continue bringing his vision to light through our work at The Sam Simon Foundation. We take comfort in knowing how many greetings he is receiving across that Rainbow Bridge. We love you Sam!"

"The Simpsons" contributors have expressed their sorrow over Sam's passing. Al Jean said, "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." Matt Groening said, "We will miss Sam's phenomenal talents, sharp intelligence, and sly sense of humor. He is gone from our industry too soon." James L. Brooks said, "He was truly one of the great ones. He found so much outside the work to give him pleasure and left so much behind for others."

Fox Television Group said in a statement, "Sam helped establish the tone and world of the Simpsons in the early years of this landmark series, and his contributions live on. His philanthropy was well-known and a source of inspiration for many. We are deeply saddened by his passing."

Nancy Cartwright, who voiced Bart, said, "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." Hank Azaria, who voiced several characters on the show including Apu and Moe, tweeted, "Rest in peace and thank you for The Simpsons, Sam Simon."

Sam was a PETA board member and the organization posted a tribute video of him. PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said, "I think Sam died with a smile on his face, knowing that elephants were on their way out of the circus, something that, together with the closure of SeaWorld, he dreamt of and talked about all the time. He said the last two years of his life, since his diagnosis, were his happiest, as he used them to help animals who had nothing, and it gave him great joy to see chimpanzees, elephants, and even a 'gay' bull find freedom from harm because he had worked with PETA to get them all out of hideous circumstances."

She continued, "One day, people will realize that Sam knew what PETA says is right: 'Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way.' I hope everyone who knew Sam or hears about his great kindness to veterans, to animals, and to all will do something kind themselves in his honor. It's a very sad day for us at the Sam Simon Center, PETA's Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters."

Hollywood celebrities also paid tribute to Sam. Larry King posted on Twitter a photo of himself as a "Simpsons" character along with caption, "RIP Sam Simon. Your impact on television and the world will not be forgotten."

Conan O'Brien wrote, "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 posted, "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."

Alyssa Milano tweeted, "Rest in peace, Sam Simon. You were a true inspiration in every sense of the word." Jason Biggs wrote, "RIP @simonsam. A beautiful example of a person who truly made the most of his time left with us." Shannen Doherty posted, "The world has lost a true warrior and a great man #RIP #samsimon."

Taran Killam simply wrote, "Thank you Sam Simon." Ricky Gervais tweeted, "RIP Sam Simon. Heroic humanitarian & genius co-creator of The Simpsons. D'oh, indeed." Kate Walsh wrote, "A great man #ripsam. My Hero, My Friend, Sam Simon. The animals in Heaven are smiling. We miss you."

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