Chris Ledesma, who worked on every episode of The Simpsons since it first aired in 1989, has died aged 64.
The TV veteran has been an integral part of the hit animated show for a whopping 33 years, so the devastating news has come as a huge shock to fans and colleagues.
Following the tragic news, the show shared a heartwarming tribute to Ledesma during the most recent episode, starting off with the title card reading: “In loving memory of Chris Ledesma.”
It began, as it famously does, with Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart, sitting on their sofa. This time though, an animated Ledesma joined the family, holding his baton as the other characters joined in playing various instruments.
Dozens of other tributes have been pouring in for the music editor online too.
Al Jean, an original writer of the animated sticom, wrote on Twitter that Ledesma was “A wonderful, hard working, very talented man who will be missed by all he knew.”
While the animator Matthew Schofield said he felt “saddened” by the news of Ledesma’s passing.
“He very kindly arranged for me to sit in on the scoring session for my episode ‘Black Eyed, Please’ (he’s in the red shirt, that’s me on the right). A wonderful guy who genuinely loved his job. RIP Chris.” he said.
Rest in peace, Chris Ledesma.
