From the writer’s room to the final table, Simon lived a multifaceted life marked by wit, competition, and compassion. In this Celebrity Poker report, we will delve into Sam Simon’s early life, poker career, personal life, and philanthropy.

Sam Simon Early Life and Introduction to Poker

Samuel Michael Simon was born on June 6, 1955 in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the affluent neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Malibu. From an early age, Simon displayed a talent for art, appearing on local television art programs by age five and later working as a cartoonist for his high school newspaper.

His artistic flair led him to Hollywood, where he began as a storyboard artist before rising quickly through the entertainment ranks. Simon eventually became a prolific writer and executive producer for television.

His most notable contribution came as one of the creators of The Simpsons, where he served as executive producer, showrunner, and writer from 1989 to 1993. Even after stepping away from the show, he continued to receive credit and royalties as an executive producer.

A Lifelong Passion for Poker

Simon’s introduction to poker came through casual home games and casino trips with his grandfather. However, it wasn’t until his Hollywood days that he began taking the game seriously.

He joined a regular poker home game hosted by comedy writer David Steinberg. Unlike the social games of his youth, these gatherings were analytical—players discussed hands and strategy in depth. That environment sparked Simon’s competitive interest in poker.

He dove into poker literature and strategy, and eventually began competing in professional tournaments.

Sam Simon’s Poker Career and Winnings

Simon’s first recorded live cash came in 1995, when he won the Big Poker October $120 7-Card Stud event for $4,280. A decade later, he earned $13,735 for a strong podium finish in the 2005 National Championship of Poker $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em event.

His most productive year was 2007. That year, he finished second in the Poker Derby $1,000 NLH for $19,185, cashed in four WSOP events, and took 16th place in the $1,000 NLH WSOP event for $35,493. He also cashed in the prestigious $10,000 WSOP Main Event, where he pocketed $39,445.

In 2009, he earned $24,066 for a 20th place finish in the WSOP $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha World Championship. Later that year, he won the LA Poker Open $335 NLH Bounty event for $22,228.

His largest cash came in 2010, when he won the Winnin’ o’ the Green Los Angeles $200 NLH event for $57,308. Simon’s final cash came in the 2011 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 500th for $23,876.

Over the course of his poker career, Simon amassed $362,900 in lifetime earnings from 28 cashes—an impressive record for someone who was never a full-time poker professional.

Personal Life

Simon married actress Jennifer Tilly in 1984. Though the couple divorced in 1991, they remained close friends and often appeared together in poker tournaments. He later married model and actress Jami Ferrell in 2000, although their marriage was short-lived. Simon had no children.

Philanthropy and Final Years

Outside of poker and television, Simon was a dedicated philanthropist, especially for animal rights causes. He established the Sam Simon Foundation, which rescues and trains shelter dogs, runs a mobile veterinary clinic for low-income communities, and funds multiple animal welfare initiatives.

Simon also made major contributions to organizations like PETA and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He funded the Sea Shepherd vessel MY Sam Simon, which is actively used in anti-whaling campaigns.

After being diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer in 2012, Simon committed the remainder of his life to giving back. He arranged for the majority of his fortune to support charities after his passing.

His Legacy

Sam Simon passed away on March 8, 2015, at the age of 59. He left behind not just a legacy in television and poker, but also a blueprint for how success can be used for meaningful change.

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