J. Michael Mendel American television producer Date of Birth: 24.09.1964 Country: USA

1. Michael Mendel, Emmy-Winning Producer, Dies at 54
2. Early Life and Career
3. "The Simpsons" and Awards
4. Tributes and Legacy

Michael Mendel, Emmy-Winning Producer, Dies at 54

J. Michael "Mike" Mendel, a four-time Emmy-winning television producer who worked with director James L. Brooks on films including "Broadcast News," "Big," and "Jerry Maguire," died two days before his 55th birthday. Mendel's Emmys were primarily for his work on the primetime animated series "The Simpsons" and "Rick and Morty." His wife, Emmy-winning casting director Juel Bestrop, told The Hollywood Reporter that her husband died of natural causes on Sept. 22, 2019, at their home in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. "Rick and Morty" co-creator Justin Roiland tweeted, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you by my side, Mike. I'm destroyed." Longtime "Simpsons" showrunner Al Jean also reacted to the news of Mendel's death.

Early Life and Career

Born in Virginia on Sept. 24, 1964, J. Michael Mendel attended Monroe-Woodbury High School in Woodbury, New York, and Syracuse University. While a student, Mendel worked as a production assistant on the soap operas "All My Children" and "Loving" during his summer breaks. Mendel eventually transitioned into a role as head of post-production for Fox's "The Tracey Ullman Show," where he eventually joined the production staff of "The Simpsons" as the show was gaining popularity in 1989. Mendel served as a line producer on "The Simpsons" and oversaw operations for James L. Brooks' production company Gracie Films, ensuring that the company stayed within budget and on schedule.

"The Simpsons" and Awards

Mendel was involved in the production of 207 episodes of "The Simpsons" between 1989 and 1999, earning Emmys in 1995, 1997, and 1998 for the episodes "Lisa's Wedding," "Homer's Phobia," and "Trash of the Titans," respectively. He later joined Justin Roiland's team as a line producer on Adult Swim's "Rick and Morty" from 2013 to 2017, winning another Emmy in 2018 for the episode "Pickle Rick."

Tributes and Legacy

"We are devastated by the untimely passing of Michael Mendel," said Adult Swim in a statement. "Michael was the heart of the Rick and Morty producer family, and we will miss his incredible talent and wit immeasurably." "Michael was a universally respected Emmy-winning producer with over 25 years in the industry," the statement added. "His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time." Mendel also produced animated series including "The Critic," "The PJs," "Oblongs," "Kid Notorious," "Drawn Together," "Sit Down, Shut Up," "Good Vibes," "Napoleon Dynamite," and "Lil' Bush: Resident of the United States." Mendel is survived by his son Jacob and daughter Jessie.