American writer, director producer Sam Simon has passed away aged 59, having lost his battle with colon cancer on Sunday evening.
Best known as co-creator and producer of The Simpsons, Simon’s credits include the likes of Taxi (where he served as showrunner), Cheers, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, The Tracey Ullman Show, The George Carlin Show, The Drew Carey Show, Friends and Anger Management.
After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012, the nine-time Emmy Award winner announced he was giving away his fortune to charitable causes, including numerous animal organisations, having been a champion of animal rights during his lifetime.