Co-creator of The Simpsons dies aged 59

Emmy award-winner Sam Simon, the co-creator of The Simpsons, has passed away after a long illness.

17:22 10 March 2015

Sam Simon, the co-creator of the hit TV show The Simpsons, has died at the age of 59 after a long illness. He won nine Emmy awards for his work as writer, director, and executive producer of the animated sitcom.

Simon, who had colon cancer, worked as a writer for several hit TV shows before launching The Simpsons, which is about the adventures of slacker Homer Simpson and his dysfunctional family as well as the surrounding townsfolk.

After the fourth series, Simon left the show and shifted his career towards philanthropy. A huge chunk of his fortune was donated to social causes including animal welfare.

He is also the founder of The Sam Simon Foundation, which rescues dog and trains them to assist the disabled.

The organisation paid tribute to its founder on Facebook, writing: "We all miss him, and in his honor, we will continue bringing his vision to light through our work at The Sam Simon Foundation.

"We take comfort in knowing how many greetings he is receiving across that Rainbow Bridge. We love you Sam!"