J. Michael Mendel, the Emmy-winning producer who worked on "Rick and Morty" and "The Simpsons," has died. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
J. Michael Mendel, the Emmy-winning producer who worked on "Rick and Morty" and "The Simpsons," has died two days short of his 55th birthday.
Adult Swim, the U.S. television network which has broadcast Rick and Morty since its debut in 2013, released a statement on Twitter saying: "All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by the untimely passing of Rick and Morty producer Mike Mendel.
"He guided and supported a generation of artists, writers and creators and his absence will be felt by the entire community. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues."
Mendel's wife, Emmy-winning casting director Juel Bestrop, told The Hollywood Reporter that he died of natural causes. He passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the couple's home in Studio City, California.
Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty, paid tribute to Mendel by tweeting on Monday: "My friend, partner, and line producer Mike Mendel passed away. I am devastated. My heart breaks for his family. I don't know what I'm going to do without you by my side Mike. I'm destroyed."
Mendel worked on Fox's The Tracey Ullman Show, on which "The Simpsons" began its life as a recurring segment, before moving to the independent series.
He helped to create 207 episodes of "The Simpsons" over his time on the show, winning Emmys in 1995, 1997 and 1997. Mendel then produced 22 episodes of "Rick and Morty," winning a fourth Emmy for his work last year.
The Simpsons characters pose for a U.S. postage stamp dedication ceremony in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 7, 2009. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
He is survived by his wife Juel Bestrop, an Emmy-winning casting director, and their two children.
Tributes
"The Simpsons" Executive Producer Mike Scully wrote: "Such a shock. We just talked on the phone for an hour two weeks ago. Loved his family, loved his @NYRangers, incredible at his job, truly funny, and just a really, really nice guy. Can't believe it. RIP Mike Mendel."
Other co-workers of Mendel's expressed condolences, with Story Artist Richard Pose writing on Twitter: "Came into work to the news that our boss, leader, friend, line-producer Mike Mendel passed away. He was the most honest, trusting producer I've worked for."
Animation Production Designer Carol Wyatt wrote: "Mike Mendel was the best person, producer, friend, soul a person could have in this crazy business! I will miss him so much."
Epoch Times reporter Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
