Simon created the show with Matt Groening and James L Brooks back in 1989, and served as a showrunner, writer, character designer and creative consultant until 1993, when he left, thanks to rumoured creative differences.
Many credit Simon with shaping The Simpsons into the show it became. The New York Times note that it was his choice to have the voice actors read their parts as an ensemble, giving the show “more lifelike rhythm and timing.”
After leaving the show, Simon retained a lucrative producer credit, which allowed him to devote his life to philanthropy, including a foundation he established to train companion dogs for veterans with PTSD.
After his cancer diagnosis, he famously told Marc Maron of his intention to give his money away to charity, which he did, buying zoos, freeing circus animals and giving to causes like PETA.
During his time on the show, Simon created many memorable characters and episodes – he was responsible for Blinky The Three Eyed Fish, and gave us Bart as Edgar Allen Poe‘s raven.
He’ll be greatly missed, but his contributions to making the world a better and more entertaining place will live on.
via Complex
