Beloved Simpsons Co-Creator Sam Simon Passed Away At 59

Sam Simon, the brilliant comedy writer and producer who co-created The Simpsons, passed away Sunday at the age of 59. Simon had an extremely impressive career in show business. He served as the showrunner on the sitcom Taxi at age 23 and went on to win nine Emmy Awards for his work on The Simpsons and its precursor, The Tracey Ullman Show. He also wrote for numerous critically acclaimed and universally beloved comedies including Cheers, It's Garry Shandling's Show, and Taxi.  Simon's prodigious comedy talents were surpassed only by his generosity. He was a well-known animal lover who contributed to numerous philanthropies. He also founded The Sam Simon Foundation which rescues stray dogs. His foundation was the first to announce that he had passed away in a touching Facebook post.  Simon made headlines when he decided to donate most of his vast Simpsons fortune  to various charities after being diagnosed with terminal cancer over two years ago. He gave most of his money to animal-related causes, telling NBC News that, "I feel it’s my responsibility to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves."  Although he spent the final years of his life battling cancer, Simon also told NBC that it was the happiest he had ever been. "Somehow, I ended up surrounded by people that love me and take care of me and will do anything for me. It’s a good feeling. That’s called happiness." (The Hollywood Reporter)