It has been reported that animation producer J. Michael Mendel, who is best known for his work on “The Simpsons” and “Rick and Morty”, has recently passed away at the age of 54.
The passing of the four-time Emmy winner has been confirmed by a spokesperson for Adult Swin, the network where “Rick and Morty” is aired. In the statement, they say:
“All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by the untimely passing of Mike Mendel. Mike was the heart of the ‘Rick and Morty’ production family, his fantastic talent and wit will be sorely missed. Mike was a universally respected Emmy-winning producer with over 25 years in the industry, who 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 during this difficult time.”
— [adult swim] (@adultswim) September 24, 2019
Moreover, “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland took to Twitter to express his deep condolences in regard to Mendel’s passing. He writes:
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you by my side Mike. I’m destroyed.”
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.
— Justin Roiland (@JustinRoiland) September 23, 2019
Dan Harmon, “Rick and Morty’s” other co-creator also offered a statement on his Instagram account, saying:
“I took Mike for granted. He was always needed and he was always there. He’s going to be needed tomorrow and he won’t be there. The wound will scar but there will be a hole through everything we do from now on.”
The cause of death, however, remains unknown for the time being.
Mendel joined “The Simpsons” in 1989 as a producer on 207 episodes, winning three Emmys.
What is more, he earned his fourth one fairly recently in 2018 for his work as line producer for “Rick and Morty” after being involved with the show for four years.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.