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Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon dies at 59
In this Feb. 1, 2014 file photo, Sam Simon arrives at the Writers Guild Awards, in Los Angeles. Simon, a co-creator of "The Simpsons" who made a midlife career shift into philanthropy and channeled much of his personal fortune into social causes including animal welfare, has died Sunday, March 8, 2015, after a long bout with cancer. He was 59.
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Tonya Wise/Tonya Wise/Invision/AP
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Sam Simon, co-creator of the long-running animated television series "The Simpsons," died on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. He was 59.
AP cites his agent, Andy Patman, and reports that Simon had been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in 2011.
The Sam Simon Foundation, which he founded to rescue dogs and train them to assist disabled veterans, posted the following message to its Facebook page following the news:
Post by The Sam Simon Foundation.
Series writer and producer Al Jean also reacted to the news of his colleague's passing:
Simon's writing and producing credits include several hit shows, including Taxi, The Drew Carey Show and The Tracey Ullman Show.
Sponsored message
In 2013, Simon announced he would leave his wealth to his favorite charities, including Save the Children, PETA, and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, according to Look to the Stars.
This story has been updated.
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