J. Michael Mendel, a producer who worked on Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty” and Fox’s “The Simpsons,” died Monday. He was 54.
“All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by the untimely passing of Mike Mendel,” Adult Swim said in a statement to TheWrap Tuesday. “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.”
According to CNN, the cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
“Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland tweeted 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.”
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
Mendel was credited as a producer on 207 episodes of “The Simpsons” between 1989 and 2015 and won Emmys in 1995, 1997 and 1998 for his work on the animated series. He went on to produce 22 episodes of “Rick and Morty” between 2013 and 2017, winning a fourth Emmy for his work on the fan-favorite Season 3 episode “Pickle Rick.”
He also worked with James L. Brooks on “Broadcast News,” “Big” and “Jerry Maguire.”