Steve Pepoon, an Emmy Award winning writer for The Simpsons, has died unexpectedly at 68.
The veteran writer Steve Pepoon had been in treatment for a heart condition called cardiac amyloidosis for the past two years before passing outside of his home in Paola, Kansas on May 3.
His wife Mary Stephenson confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday.
Steve Pepoon also co-created popular Nickelodeon cartoon The Wild Thornberrys which not only had success as a series but also had a 2002 feature film The Wild Thornberrys Movie.
His other credits include ALF, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, and Roseanne.
However, his crowning achievement was winning a Primetime Emmy for writing an episode of The Simpsons.
Pepoon had written season 2, episode 13 – titled Homer Vs. Lisa And The 8th Commandment – which aired on February 7, 1991.
The episode was centered around dad Homer getting an illegal cable hookup but daughter Lisa feels like the family are breaking the 8th Commandment which is ‘though shall not steal.’
She proceeds to protest by refusing to watch television when Homer invites all of his friends over to watch a major boxing pay per view match when he finally has a change of heart.
The episode also marked the debut of the character Troy McClure who was voiced by the late Phil Hartman.
In a 2016 interview Pepoon talked about being chosen for Emmy consideration as he said: ‘For whatever reason, they chose my episode.’
Pepoon was born on May 19, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri.
After graduating from Kansas State University in 1978, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his writing career with his first gig being the aforementioned ALF.
Pepoon was survived by his brothers, Michael and Bill; his sisters-in-law, Sonja and Francesca; his stepchildren, Katie and Nick; and his grandchildren, Micah, McKenzie, Lily, Audrey and Dean.
Meanwhile, The Simpsons fans all had the same reaction as the future of the series was revealed in a landmark announcement last month.
The American animated series hit our screens in 1979 and has gone on to air 783 episodes over 36 seasons.
Last month Fox revealed that four of their programs have bagged more episodes, and the new seasons are a ‘pact’ with Disney TV Studios that they have called a ‘meganimation deal’.
The Simpsons will have get four new seasons, totaling the show up to a whopping 40, with 15 episodes in each.
Fans are absolutely over the moon with the news.
One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter:: ‘Ohhhh wowwww I love it.’
Another said: ‘Great news, we will be happy to watch the new seasons, these things cannot be cancelled.’
A third chimed in: ‘Haha great news!’
‘Nice! Love that we’re getting more of both The Simpsons and Family Guy,’ another wrote.
Other iconic animated shows, including American Dad, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers will also be coming back.
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said: ‘This new deal celebrates the eternal popularity of these iconic comedies, as well as the enduring, prolific relationship we continue to enjoy with our friends at 20th Television Animation and the brilliant creators – that goes double for Seth this time around — and incredible voices behind these contemporary classics.’
Another said: ‘Great news, we will be happy to watch the new seasons, these things cannot be cancelled.’
A third chimed in: ‘Haha great news!’
‘Nice! Love that we’re getting more of both The Simpsons and Family Guy,’ another wrote.
Other iconic animated shows, including American Dad, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers will also be coming back.
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said: ‘This new deal celebrates the eternal popularity of these iconic comedies, as well as the enduring, prolific relationship we continue to enjoy with our friends at 20th Television Animation and the brilliant creators – that goes double for Seth this time around — and incredible voices behind these contemporary classics.’