The Way He Was

Or

Simple Simon, in the Grime, Man

Sam Simon, who managed to create something unfunny with George Carlin, has died at the age of 59 of colon cancer. Simon had been a writer and producer on Taxi and Cheers and put his schooling in those master classes to use in crafting The Simpsons, the longest-running sitcom of all time. Unlike some animated series, The Simpsons was developed using standard sitcom techniques, like having the writers work collectively and having the voice actors reads their parts as an ensemble to work out the show’s rhythm and timing. Simon also hired many of the show’s writers, helping to establish the show’s tone – anarchic, intelligent, sharply written, with a heart, but without being cloying – and to develop the fully formed and distinct characters who called Springfield home. Simon never expected the show to last, and told the writers they could do whatever they wanted, meaning the writers should push boundaries to find a unique comedic voice that they could be proud of. Co-creator Matt Groening took his approach as indifference to the show’s success, which contributed to their less than amicable split after just 4 seasons, though Simon continued to be listed as executive producer and draw tens of millions of dollars in residuals annually. Regardless of who’s version of history you believe, it’s hard to argue that the show began its decline as the writers Simon hired started to move on. Simon later went on to create The George Carlin Show, which ended after one year, with Carlin also considering Simon an insufferable prick with mental health issues. He eventually found a kindred spirit in Charlie Sheen, working as a consultant on Anger Management. After learning he was dying, Simon started giving away all his money, to causes including training service animals, supporting veterans, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an anti-whaling organization; PETA, who renamed their headquarters for him. The Sam Simon Foundation gave vegan meals to the homeless, with Simon explaining “They can eat all the meat they want. I’m just not going to pay for it.” Because vegans are self-important, joyless sociopaths who deserve to die ironic deaths with ravaged poop shoots.