Sam Simon: Co-Developer of The Simpsons and Philanthropist Dies at 59

Sam Simon was an American writer, producer and philanthropist. Born on June 6, 1955, in Los Angeles, he wrote for Taxi and Cheers.

He worked with James L. Brooks and Matt Groening to develop The Simpsons, for which he won multiple Emmys as an executive producer. He earned a fortune from the show and gave away most of it, founding the Sam Simon Foundation to help animals and the hungry.

He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012. Simon died in Pacific Palisades, California, on March 8, 2015, at age 59, leaving most of his estate to charity.

Achievements: Multiple Emmy Awards, founder of the Sam Simon Foundation.

Birth: June 6, 1955 - Los Angeles, California.

Profession: Television writer and producer.

Interesting Facts: He also managed boxer Lamon Brewster.