Matt Groening may be famous for creating The Simpsons but there were plenty of other people involved in the creative process. Sam Simon, for one, was working alongside Groening on the iconic TV series when it all began in 1989.
Simon, who is credited alongside Matt Groening and James L. Brooks as one of the co-creators of The Simpsons, will be giving away his fortune before he dies. Unfortunately, that could come sooner than later.
The 58-year-old writer and producer was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year. He was told by doctors in May that he only has three to six months to live.
The LAist reports that Simon isn’t new to philanthropy. He’s been an a big supporter of animal rights groups like PETA and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He has also founded the Sam Simon Foundation which provides aid to stray animals.
Simon said that he likes donating money to charities that see immediate results. That’s why he donates to animal foundations instead of research funds.
Simons said: “One of the things about animal rights, which is not the only thing that I care about in this world, is that your money can bring success. I see results. There is stuff happening, really good stuff, every week. I’m not sure you get that with a lot of disease charities.”
Simon also said that he’s very careful about where he donates. The Simpson’s co-creator said that many charities have become party planning committees who are more focused on the social aspect than doing any good.
Simon said: “I don’t think the spirit of Hollywood is such a spirit of generosity. I think people really begrudge giving. In New York, it’s like that. A lot of charities spend a million dollars on a fundraiser to make $15,000. It’s a social swirl. They do some great stuff and then — it’s called mission drift. It becomes more about the parties.”
Here’s a video of Matt Groening’s writing partner Sam Simon talking about his cancer, his philanthropy, and the Sam Simon foundation.
Simon said that he has more money than he knows what to do with and that his family was already taken care of. So, with the money he has left he’s going to try and make the world a better place.
Simon said : “The truth is, I have more money than I’m interested in spending. Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.”
