Street art of a popular cartoon character. Credits : Pexels photo
A Simpsons icon has sadly died at 68.
Fans and colleagues mourn the unexpected loss.
Steve Pepoon died unexpectedly outside his home in Paola, Kansas, on May 3.
He had been undergoing treatment for cardiac amyloidosis.
His wife, Mary Stephenson, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday.
Pepoon was best known for writing The Simpsons classic “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment.”
He made a lasting impact on TV, from ‘90s sitcoms to hit animated shows.
Pepoon’s standout episode — Season 2, Episode 13 — aired on February 7, 1991.
It tackled big moral questions.
Homer got an illegal cable hookup.
Lisa protested, reminding the family: “Thou shalt not steal.”
The episode ends with Homer choosing to do the right thing after Lisa’s powerful stand.
It also introduced Troy McClure, voiced by the late Phil Hartman.
Reflecting on its recognition, Pepoon once said: “For whatever reason, they chose my episode.”
That one script won him a Primetime Emmy and fans’ admiration worldwide.
Before The Simpsons, he wrote for ALF, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, and Roseanne.
He later co-created The Wild Thornberrys, which led to a feature film in 2002.
Pepoon was born on May 19, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri.
He’s survived by his brothers, Michael and Bill; sisters-in-law, Sonja and Francesca; stepchildren, Katie and Nick; and grandchildren, Micah, McKenzie, Lily, Audrey, and Dean.
His family will host a celebration of life Saturday at the Paola Community Center.
They’re collecting donations to start a scholarship for Paola High School students pursuing writing, theater, or film careers.
His death comes as The Simpsons begins a new chapter.
Last month, Fox confirmed the show’s future is bright.
The network announced a four-season renewal through a “meganimation deal” with Disney TV Studios.
This will bring the total to 40 seasons — 15 episodes each — since its 1989 debut.
