Meet Sam Simon, The Dog Nut

Morley Safer Meets One Of The Unusual Co-Creators Of The Simpsons

(CBS)  A major source of that money is Bart and family, a.k.a. the Simpsons, the iconic show Sam Simon helped create 17 years ago.

At the beginning, Simon admits he was skeptical the show was going anywhere. "I thought it was an idea that would go absolutely nowhere. I used to say, 'We’re thirteen and out,'" he says, meaning thirteen episodes and the program would get canceled.

But the show kept on going, casting a brutally cynical eye on every aspect of American culture. "It turns out that people just accepted it, went along for the ride," Simon tells Safer.

But with the relentless complexities of grinding out a cartoon series – and the inevitable ego clashes – after four seasons, Sam and his partners split.

Why the break?

"I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. Not just talking about the Simpsons, I would say that any show I’ve ever worked on, it turns me into a monster. I go crazy. I hate myself," he explains.

So 13 years ago, he negotiated a goodbye deal that set some sort of Hollywood record. He still gets paid any time the show airs around the world – even the hundreds of episodes made since he left. He gets a cut of DVD sales and licensing fees for the Simpsons characters. He estimates he makes well over $10 million a year from a show he hasn’t worked on since 1993.

"When I was there I thought I was underpaid. I thought I wasn’t getting enough credit for it. Now, I think it’s completely the opposite. I get too much credit for it. And the money is ridiculous," Simon admits.

Over the years, he put some of the money into an eye popping art collection. In his living room is a Thomas Hart Benton painting of a boy and his dog, which has become the logo for Sam’s foundation. On the staircase, a there's a John Singer Sargent. And in the back yard, Rodin's "The Thinker" can be found – it's not a copy, but one of the originals struck by the artist.

"I had a party and I heard someone say 'the cell phone reception is much better over by the Rodin,'" Simon says, laughing.

Simon is no stranger to wealth, having grown up in that famous zip code, Beverly Hills 90210. Even so, Simon says, "There are certain times you realize you’ve got too much money. One was when I started getting bills from the Koi hotel. When I was remodeling the Koi pond, the Koi had to go to the Koi hotel. They ended up staying there for 13 months and I never asked what the bill was."

Over the mantel, there’s a shrine of sorts to the first dog Sam really fell in love with. Lono was actually part dog, part wolf – and all trouble.

"Here’s the picture of Lono. He’s just torn apart a down pillow. It looks like a snow scene," Simon says, pointing out a photo of Lono surrounded by feathers.

It got worse. There was the time Lono went to the back yard and tried to bury Sam’s computer. "And I could see the corner of my laptop sticking out of the ground," he remembers.

Maybe Lono was jealous of the computer.

And there was the time when his other dog Casey got sick, that Sam took Lono to pay his respects to the vet. It was a big mistake.

"I guess the dog nut really is coming out in the conversation, because I wanted him to meet the doctor that saved Casey. That that would be a meaningful experience for him. So you know, he bit the doctor that saved Casey," Simon remembers.

Like all dogs, good and bad, Lono finally went to heaven. And Sam kept his earthly remains in an urn.

"I engraved the urn. And it says 'Good friend, Bad dog,'" Simon explains.

[seejayd]

I had no idea Sam Simon had a dog rescue program; especially a hearing dog program; which I support a thousand times over! I have been a fan of Sam Simons since I got involved working on his cells. Currently I have a hearing dog from another program, and he has changed/enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. When its time to retire Mr. Hobbitt, I will most likely support this program for my next call. Thank you! Cindy

[cindirh]

Sam, You are extraordinary, I'm so glad for people like you. Keep up the good work, Spaying and neutering is the solution, and your making a difference. Your one of my heros!

Regards,
Cindi H.

[daavi-2009]

Sam, what you are doing is extraordinary. We thank God for you. However, can you help us, DAAVI, to house orphans in Sierra Leone, Africa that are living in deplorable conditions? Thanks for your comments.

Rachel

[mswolfestock]

What a great story - Sam the Saint to Abandoned Dogs. I love his spay and neuter-mobile idea. I hope that other animal lovers can make this idea work in other places. Spaying and neutering are the only hope we will ever have for reducing the number of abandoned animals.

[reddybrand]

I'm in love with this story. I'm in love with the "Dog Nut".

I wish more people had this type of love in their hearts. This would be a better world for all, if they did.

God has blessed you for a reason, Sam. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Love,
Melanie

[reddybrand]

I'm in love with this story. I'm in love with the "Dog Nut".

I wish more people had this type of love in their hearts. This would be a better world for all, if they did.

God has blessed you for a reason, Sam. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Love,
Melanie

[cheinc]

I am profoundly deaf & would like to find out more about Sam's Foundation for "Hearing Dog"

[ppruter]

Dear Sam,
What a wonderful story. I'm a Dog Nut too. But, what you're doing is such a Gift!! A Gift to the Dogs and a Gift to the people who receive the special Dog to help them have a complete life. I don't know if you have a website. If you did, I would love to send you a picture of my Shasta. Shasta is a German Shepherd mix and looks just like your "LONO". May you have a wonderful life doing all that you do for others and for you. Life is short; Each Day is a Gift. ppruter

[petparent]

Sam

You are a God send to these homeless animals. You do what I can only dream about. I'm 42 and my children are dogs, 3 of them adopted from rescue agencies and shelters. May God continue to bless you.

There are so many people who have the ablility you do to help homeless animals but choose to blow their money on monetary things and give it to human causes that are a waste of good money that could save homeless animals.

[gemeni52]

Sam,

I think you are an angel for saving all the dogs. I lost my little dog on my birthday this year. I said I would never have another dog until I say your little white maltese/poodle on 60 Minuetes tonight. I use to have a maltese until he was hit by a car. If you ever want to find a home for it please consider me. I have degenerative spine disease and it is getting hard for me to get around. If you could find it in your heart to share one of your dogs with me, I would be forever grateful.

[deedee7771]

Sam:

You are an amazing person, may you be blessed over and over again. I have that same heart. I live a breathe animals, especially dogs and cats. I wish there was a law to stop all the pet population, and stiffer penalties to animal cruelty. I have 2 dogs, and 3 cats. I love them all so much. They are the joy in my heart. I found the cats, or should I say they found me. All but one wild one have anot had spade, but we are working on becoming friends, so hopefully she will trust me as her family. I wish I had the opportunity to do the same. Thank you for all you do!!!

[rysheron]

Hi Sam,
I was so very happy to see Harvey, He is looking great! You to :). You are doing such great work I am so proud to know you. I will keep you and Harvey in my Prayers, and Will get Harvey a new sister as soon as one comes along. Thank You for the call.

Harvey's Grandma, Cheryl

[tvirtue-2009]

sam simon + tarita virtue = a very happy life!

the second i saw sam on 60 minutes, i said, "mum, dad...this is your future son-in-law...he is as nuts for dogs as i am."

sam - i'm looking forward to your call...

www.taritavirtue.com

[cornholio622]

I have one dog nut and one regular!

[sassypooinms]

I, too, am a dog nut! Thank you for saving each and every precious "bambino" you do. I have stage 4 cancer in both lungs and I tell my family and friends that I want to be in charge of all the puppies when I get to Heaven. I would adopt every puppy I could if I had your resources and I'm so glad you do the good work you do. You're a man in a million. Good luck to you and yours!

[sdsproud]

What a wonderful, wonderful person you are, Sam! This brought happy tears to my eyes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I am sure the shelters, the dogs, and all of the caring people who work so hard to find loving homes for these animals are very, very grateful, too, not to meniton the people you are helping. GOOD FOR YOU!

[g63n00]

Loved the story about Sam Simon. If he ever considers any other areas for his rescue organization, believe me that there are plenty of strays in the Birmingham area of Alabama that need to be saved.

[francesneal]

What a truly wonderful and heartwarming story. Sam Simon, you have a heart of GOLD!!! The world needs more people like you...you will be rewarded for your efforts. God bless you and the animals!!!
Frances

[katsanctuary]

If there were only more people like Sam Simon that would help shelter animals. I wish we had a mobile surgery in our county like Sam has provided, many unwanted animals are just put in sacks and dumped in the river. Does he have a fund for helping other areas inthe U.S.?

[jO aNN FITZGERALD]

Dera Sam I think it's great what you do to help dogs. I really love dogs too. Dogs are alot smarter than alot of people I know. I think a dog could even run the white house it would be better than what we have now. Keep up the good work.Jo Ann