Sam Simon Bio: Cause of Death, Age, Parents, Wife, Children, Family, Movies, TV Shows

Biography

Sam Simon (born Samuel Michael Simon in 1955, died in 2015) was an American television producer, writer, and director, best known as a co-creator of The Simpsons.

A Los Angeles native, he launched his career writing for hit shows like Taxi and Cheers before collaborating with Matt Groening and James L. Brooks to develop the groundbreaking animated series. Simon’s creative vision was pivotal in shaping The Simpsons into a cultural landmark during its early years.

Beyond television, he was a dedicated philanthropist, particularly advocating for animal rights through the Sam Simon Foundation. After battling colorectal cancer, he passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of wit and generosity.

American television producer and animator
Sam Simon
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Samuel Michael Simon
Stage Name:	Sam Simon
Born:	6 June 1955 (age 69 years old)
Place of Birth:	Los Angeles, California, United States
Died:	8 March 2015 (age 59 years), Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Beverly Hills High School, Stanford University
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Arthur Simon, Joan Simon
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Jami Ferrell (m. 2000–2000), Jennifer Tilly (m. 1984–1991)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Kate Porter (2012)
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Animator • TV Producer
Net Worth:	$100 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Sam Simon was born on June 6, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, USA. He grew up in a Jewish family, reflecting his ethnicity and cultural background, though specific details about his personal religious practices are not widely documented.

His parents were Arthur Simon, a clothing manufacturer, and Joan Simon. Sam had no widely noted siblings, suggesting he may have been an only child, though this is not definitively confirmed in public records.

Raised in Beverly Hills, Simon showed an early aptitude for creativity and humor. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where his sharp wit and artistic talents began to take shape. After graduating, he enrolled at Stanford University, one of the top institutions in the country, where he studied psychology and graduated with a degree in the field.

His time at Stanford also nurtured his interest in cartooning, as he contributed to the school newspaper, The Stanford Daily, with his drawings—an early hint of the career that would later define him.

Career

Sam Simon’s career was a dynamic fusion of creative brilliance and television innovation, most notably defined by his influence on modern comedy. After graduating from Stanford University, he started as a cartoonist, briefly working for the San Francisco Chronicle before transitioning to television, where he discovered his true passion.

His breakthrough came in the late 1970s as a writer for the sitcom Taxi, where his sharp wit and storytelling prowess earned him industry recognition. He quickly climbed the ranks, contributing scripts to acclaimed shows like Cheers and The Tracey Ullman Show. His time on Taxi also marked his entry into producing, showcasing his ability to balance creativity with the complexities of television production.

In 1989, Simon reached the peak of his career when he co-created The Simpsons alongside Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. As a writer, producer, and showrunner during its early seasons, he played a crucial role in shaping the show’s tone, characters, and signature irreverent humor.

He led the writing team, recruited key talent, and helped transform The Simpsons from a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show into a groundbreaking animated phenomenon. Though he departed in 1993 due to creative differences, his contributions earned him multiple Emmy Awards and cemented his status as one of the driving forces behind a series that revolutionized animation and satire.

Beyond The Simpsons, Simon remained active in television, writing and producing for The George Carlin Show and consulting on projects like The Drew Carey Show. His interests extended beyond entertainment—he managed boxer Lamon Brewster and hosted the poker show Sam’s Game, reflecting his wide-ranging passions.

Despite stepping away from The Simpsons, the royalties from his early involvement allowed him to fund extensive philanthropic efforts, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential figure in Hollywood.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Sam Simon
• IMDb: Sam Simon
• Instagram: Sam Simon (@samsimon_)

Personal Life

Sam Simon lived a full life until his death at age 59 on March 8, 2015. Born on June 6, 1955, he experienced two notable marriages.

His first was to actress Jennifer Tilly, whom he married in 1984; they divorced in 1991, though they remained on friendly terms. His second marriage was to Playboy Playmate Jami Ferrell in 2000, but it was short-lived, ending in divorce after just a few months. Simon had no children from either marriage or otherwise.

After his second divorce, he was briefly engaged to chef and model Kate Porter in 2012, but they never married due to his declining health from colorectal cancer.

Net Worth

Sam Simon’s net worth at the time of his death in 2015 was estimated to be around $100 million, a fortune largely built on his early involvement with The Simpsons.

As a co-creator, writer, and producer, he secured a lucrative deal that granted him ongoing royalties from the show’s syndication and merchandise, even after leaving in 1993.

These earnings grew substantially as The Simpsons became a global phenomenon. Beyond television, Simon’s wealth was bolstered by other producing ventures and investments, such as managing boxer Lamon Brewster.