Sam Simon, co-creator of hit TV series The Simpsons, died of colon cancer at the age of 59, leaving behind $100 million to support animal charities.

Sam Simon has been battling colon cancer since 2012.( Image via Dailymail)

• Sam Simon passed away March 8^th

• He was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and was only given three months to live

• Simon was an avid animal advocate and he spent his fortune helping out dog-rescue havens, shutting down abusive animal shows, amongst other charitable acts.

• He co-produced The Simpsons together with Matt Groening and James Brooks in 1987, before retiring in 1994

• His work with The Simpsons entitled him to royalties worth millions even after he retired

The Simpsons‘ co-creator Sam Simon has passed away after a long-drawn battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and given only three months to live, but Simon fought on for three years. Finally, he passed away on Sunday at his home in the company of his family and dog.

As an animal rights advocate, Simon announced, prior to his demise, that he would be donating his wealth of an estimated $100 million to charity. “Cancer has been a fight, a journey, an adventure and the most amazing experience of my life. Somehow I ended up surrounded by people who love me and take care of me and will do anything for me. That is called happiness. I think I may have had a problem letting it in before,” he said. Simon had also set up the Sam Simon Foundation, a organization that rescues dogs from animal shelters and trains them to assist disabled veterans and the hard-of-hearing.

Simon was married to Jennifer Tilly in the 1980 and got divorced 1991. He had no children and donated his wealth to a cause he truly believed in. “The thing about animals that speaks to me so much is that my passion for the animals and against animal abuse is based on the knowledge that these creatures which think and feel can’t speak for themselves,” said Simon to NBC.”I feel it is my responsibility to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves,” he added.

The Simpsons will continue its run, as Simon left the team after its fourth season in 1994. Nonetheless, he had been receiving royalties worth millions owing to the show’s successful run. Despite not playing a role in the show for over decades, Simon’s name remains in the weekly credits.

Source: Dailymail