Steve Pepoon dead: The Simpsons legend dies after struggling with heart condition

Steve Pepoon, who won an Emmy award for writing an episode of has unexpectedly at the age of 68 outside his home in Paola, Kansas. He had been in treatment for a heart condition called cardiac amyloidosis for the past two years and died May 3, although the news is only now being made public. His family shared the news in a statement on Facebook writing: "It is with deep sadness that the family of Steve Pepoon announces his passing on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Steve was a beloved member of our family and was cherished by many friends. He will be greatly missed." In a separate post they shared a celebration of his life will take place on May 17.

Steve sold his first script in late 1985, which became an episode of classic comedy Silver Spoons that aired in January 1986. Fifteen months later, he was hired as a staff writer on sci-fi comedy series ALF where he would remain for it's final three seasons. The titular ALF stood for Alien Life Form, a cute creature from another planet who lived with the all American Tanner family.

Following ALF's cancellation he began freelance writing and one script he created for The Simpsons, Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment, won him his Emmy, shared with 13 others for outstanding animated programme.

"For whatever reason, they chose my episode [for Emmy consideration]," he said in a 2016 .

He then served as the head writer on ABC's The Jackie Thomas Show and wrote for ABC's Roseanne and for CBS' To.

He created and wrote Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberrys with Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, David Silverman and Stephen Sustarsic. The hugely popular series about a family of wildlife documentary filmmakers ran for five seasons, from 1998-2004.

Tributes poured in for the star as people learned the news of his death. "This is the worst news. How can it be? He fought injustice until the end. A good human and great writer," one penned.

"So sorry to hear this. Our prayers are with his family," another commented. "I'm so sorry. Sending my condolences to everyone who knew and loved Steve," a third chimed in.

A fourth emotionally added: "I'm sorry this is so crazy. I just feel numb. My first impulse was is this some kind of weird joke? I had no idea if Steve was ill or if something else happened, but this is simply horrible. Horrible news. Very saddened and wishing the best for those who love him. Just thunderstruck. Wonderful fellow."

A fifth wrote: "OMG! What terrible news. He was an inspiration to me. Sending love and light." Meanwhile a sixth shared: "I am shocked and saddened by this news. He was a true mensch and had a great sense of humor."