A Tribute to Sam Simon

Earlier this month marked the death of Sam Simon, co-creator of the Simpsons. He was remembered as the man who helped craft the tone of the show and gather together its original writer’s group.

While many will remember his time devoted to The Simpsons -including coming up with the classic  ‘Land of Chocolate’ gag-  there are others who will remember him for what he achieved outside of the show.

In light of his recent passing, we look back at some of his other major achievements and just how diverse his life really was.

Animal Rights
Outside of the Simpsons and his contribution to other comedy shows, Simon was best known as a fierce advocate for animal rights, so much so that he established his own organisation to train neglected dogs to become hearing dogs for the deaf or service dogs for war veterans suffering from PTSD.

Feeding Families
Simon’s promotion of animal rights carried over into other areas as well. The Feeding Families program, which was established by his foundation, aimed at providing “…nutritious, vegan food to individuals and families experiencing economic hardship.” Simon was regarded highly as a champion of animal rights: in 2013 PETA named it’s Virginia headquarters after him, with Simon himself being a member of the organisation since he was 44. 

Sea-shepard activism
In 2012,Simon bought a new vessel for the Sea Shepard Conservation Society,  another significant piece of philanthropy. Sea Shepard is well known for protecting marine life from such actions as whaling and fishing. In 2014, he even joined in one of their protests, highlighting the actions committed in Japan’s Taiji cove, a supposed hunting ground for dolphins.

Boxing
Perhaps the most surprising of Simon’s achievements was becoming the manager of boxer Lamon Brewster, and guiding Lamon to victory in the WBO (World Boxing Organisation) heavyweight championship in 2004.

Poker
This fact, as well as Simon’s own accomplishments in the sport of poker, showed just how diverse of character the man was.

RIP Sam Simon, you were a great not just in the field of television but philanthropy.

Callum Marshall