‘The Simpsons’ Producer Sam Simon Dies from Colon Cancer at Age 59

Longtime producer of the famed FOX series The Simpsons, Sam Simon, has reportedly died at the age of 59. The nine-time Emmy Award winner, who helped develop the series in its early days, left back in the early 90s upon discovering he had colon cancer. Ever since, he began donating all of his Simpsons earnings to charity.

And best of all, he never stopped.

Simpsons show runner Al Jean reportedly noted that Simon was a "great humanitarian" for not only his charity but also his work on the iconic television show.

"I personally owe him more than can be repaid," Jean said, "but I will do my best to help every animal I can in his memory."

Simon created the Sam Simon Foundation after being diagnosed with cancer. The organization aims to help save the lives of dogs across the world.

The company released a statement via their Facebook page, which you can read below.

Unsurprisingly, the passing has produced an outcry of emotion on Twitter, with Simon's name trending and an insurmountable number of people leaving their thoughts on the philanthropist online. Check out some below:

.@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

"@AP:'Simpsons' co-creator, philanthropist Sam Simon dies at 59 after long bout with cancer" Such sad news & a reminder to pls get screened. — Katie Couric (@katiecouric) March 9, 2015

#RIP Sam Simon ... Thanks for all the laughs — Morgan Spurlock (@MorganSpurlock) March 9, 2015

Oh no. Sam Simon. He fought hard and brave from all I observed, read, heard etc. He was inspiring. Hope there's something good out there. — Jen Kirkman (@JenKirkman) March 9, 2015

RIP Sam Simon. Heroic humanitarian & genius co-creator of The Simpsons. D'oh, indeed. — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 9, 2015

[Image Courtesy of CBS News/Twitter]