Life & Style

'The Simpsons' co-creator Sam Simon dies

His severance package earned him about $10 million a year, according to his IMDB industry database entry.

Afp March 09, 2015

in this october 18 2014 file photo director writer sam simon l and actor martin sheen r pose during the christening of sea shepherd 039 s newest vessel named after the actor at a ceremony in marina del rey california

In this October 18, 2014 file photo, director/writer Sam Simon (L) and actor Martin Sheen (R) pose during the christening of Sea Shepherd's newest vessel named after the actor at a ceremony in Marina del Rey, California.

LOS ANGELES: Emmy Award winner Sam Simon, who co-created "The Simpsons" and wrote episodes of "Taxi" and "Cheers," has died aged 59, his employer said Monday.

Simon, who developed "The Simpsons" in the late 1980s with Matt Groening and James L. Brooks, died of colorectal cancer on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, Variety reported.

"A great man; I owe him everything," tweeted "The Simpsons" showrunner Al Jean, adding that his passing was "an enormous loss."

.@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever Just heard terrible news of death of @simonsam. A great man; I owe him everything.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015

.@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever If you would like to honor Sam's memory, do something nice for the next animal you meet. An enormous loss.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) March 9, 2015

Simon left "The Simpsons" in 1993 but was still credited an an executive producer, and his leaving deal meant he could spend time and money on philanthropy, Variety said.

He estimated that his severance package earned him about $10 million a year, according to his IMDB industry database entry.

He shared seven Primetime Emmy awards for "The Simpsons" and two for his writing on "The Tracy Ullman Show," according to the industry journal.