Sam Simon is a co-creator and executive producer of the longest running scripted primetime show ever: The Simpsons. Simon, however, clashed with the show's other creators and left the show in 1993, after only four seasons.
Co-creator Matt Groening called Simon brilliantly funny but unpleasant and mentally unbalanced. Doh indeed!
In hindsight, Simon should also be described as a brilliant businessman. He negotiated to keep executive producer credits for the show and a share of The Simpsons' profits each year, including those from highly lucrative home media distribution. So despite having left the show 20 years ago, Simon is still listed as an executive producer on each episode. His profits keep rolling in, year after year.
And more recently, a diagnosis of terminal cancer stoked an estate planning effort that offers lessons for advisors and their clients.
Interestingly, Simon
So what does Simon want to do with all of his millions? He is prepared to donate almost all of his royalties from the show to charity.
Yet Simon is very particular about the charities he helps. He founded the Sam Simon Foundation (
TERMINAL DIAGNOSIS
Simon was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer in late 2012 and given a short amount of time to live. According to
Simon worked with consultants from the Rockefeller Foundation to set up a trust with some fantastic trustees, Simon says. He is excited that the charitable trust he created will continue living after hes gone.
We can only hope that Simon continues to do well and overcomes his cancer. But in addition to his other good work, Simon can also teach about the importance of good estate planning.
Had he died with only a will in place, much of his fortune would have been lost to estate taxes, probate court costs, and legal fees the same problems that are affecting the
You can share Simon's story with clients and prospects who need some help overcoming procrastination.
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