Steve Pepoon, one of the original writers of The Simpsons, passed away at the age of 68 on May 3. According to his family, Pepoon died of cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease, after a long battle with health complications.
Since its premiere in 1989, “The Simpsons” has evolved from a quirky animated sitcom into a global iconic entertainment. It broke barriers as one of the first prime-time animated shows to gain widespread popularity among adults and children alike.
Pepoon was best known for writing the acclaimed episode 13 of Season 2, titled “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment,” which conveyed the moral conflict between convenience and integrity through the lens of pirated cable. The episode won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, adding to the iconic legacy of both the animation series and the author.
Although “The Simpsons” initiated Steve Pepoon’s national recognition, his writing and producing career extended across several products. Pepoon also contributed to writing “The Wild Thornberrys,” “ Cleghorne!,” and “The Naked Gun 3.”
At its peak, The Simpsons was not just television—it was cultural commentary. It lampooned politics, skewered Hollywood, and held up a mirror to American family life with wit and irreverence.
“I really like the Simpsons–it’s an animation that has helped me in many ways,” Joonho Kim (11), fan of Simpsons said. “It has helped me laugh when I’m tired or sad after an exam, and I also watch it while eating alone.”
The show also influenced the way we consume media, satire, and even current events. Catchphrases like Homer’s “D’oh!” and Bart’s “Eat my shorts!” became everyday slang, while episodes like “Marge vs. the Monorail” and “Homer the Great” became cult classics.
Beyond its humor and satire, “The Simpsons” has also sparked fascination for its uncanny ability to predict real-world events. Over the years, fans have pointed to episodes that seemingly foresaw many future events, from Donald Trump’s presidency to the invention of smartwatches and autocorrect.
Although Pepoon has passed away, his legacy will be remembered with The Simpsons.
“There are a lot of respected animation writers, and I believe Steve Pepoon is one of them,” Ian Kim (11), aspiring director, said. “It is really important for the scenario/ story of the animation to be fun to succeed–and Pepoon definitely proved that through the award. He will be remembered.”
