Illustrious career behind the scenes
J. MICHAEL MENDEL 1964 - 2019 Co-workers mourn loss of Emmy winner
Emmy- winning producer J. Michael Mendel has died aged 54.
The passing of the producer of The Simpsons and Rick and Morty was confirmed by the Cartoon Network’s late- night programming block, Adult Swim.
“All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by the untimely passing of Mike Mendel,” they commented. “Mike was the heart of the Rick and Morty production family, his fantastic talent and wit will be sorely missed.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Mendel died two days shy of his 55th birthday. In response to the news, Rick and Morty co- creator Justin Roiland said on Twitter: “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 was born on Sept. 24, 1964. He developed a 25- year career behind the scenes. He worked on The Simpsons since 1989 — first as an associate producer, then co- producer, before producing 117 episodes between 1994 and 2015. He also worked on Rick and Morty for four years, beginning in 2013.
He also served as a line producer and worked at Fox. At James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films he contributed to such projects as Big, Jerry Maguire and Broadcast News.
In the decade from 1989 to 1999, Mendel was producer on 207 Simpsons episodes and won three Emmys, in 1995, ’97 and ’98.
He earned his fourth in 2018 for his work as a line producer on Rick and Morty after four years with the show.
“I can’t handle seeing his cropped photo in headlines with the word dead in them,” said Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon.
Mendel attended Syracuse University, where, during his summers, he worked as a production assistant on All My Children and Loving. His animation credits include The PJS, The Oblongs and Napoleon Dynamite.
The cause of death is not clear.
He is survived by his wife, fellow Emmy winner and casting director Juel Bestrop.