The Simpsons team pay tribute to show legend who worked on over 700 episodes, following his death aged 64
The Simpsons team has paid tribute to the show's former music editor, Chris Ledesma, who has died aged 64.
Ledesma had worked on the animated sitcom consistently since its premiere in 1989, before retiring from the role in May 2022.
In Sunday's episode, the 12th episode of the 34th season, producers of the show made a touching nod to their former colleague, with an animated version of Ledesma sitting alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie on the sofa.
One year ago this week. The first pic is in the hallway of the Gracie Films bungalow after a spotting session. 2nd is at a dubbing session a few days later. Nobody knew then that we wouldn't be back. But how lucky to be able work on #TheSimpsons entirely from home for 52 weeks! pic.twitter.com/28xPgiuRT7
— Chris Ledesma (@mxedtr) March 12, 2021
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The episode, which was the first after a short break over the festive period, was accompanied with a short message, which read: "In loving memory of Chris Ledesma."
Some of Ledesma's colleagues on the show have taken to social media to pay their respects, with showrunner Al Jean writing: "A wonderful, hard working, very talented man who will be missed by all he knew."
Carolyn Omine, a writer for the show, tweeted: "Chris Ledesma was a sweet man who loved his job and was really, really good at it. We miss him."
.@TheSimpsons A wonderful, hard working, very talented man who will be missed by all he knew. pic.twitter.com/pFR1dMHeQ8
— Al Jean (@AlJean) January 2, 2023
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Jake Schaefer, Ledesma's successor in the role, thanked his predecessor for mentoring him, describing him as an "inspiration".
"Chris Ledesma's passion for music and for @TheSimpsons was an inspiration," Schaefer wrote. "I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with him this year. He was a great mentor and a genuine person.
"My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace Chris."
Before his departure in May, Ledesma celebrated a landmark in 2021 when he announced he had spent exactly half his life working on the show, saying he was "grateful and blessed" to have done so.
In addition to his role on the show, Ledesma also ran a blog called Simpsons Music 500, sharing insights from his career and time working on the long-running series.
The Simpsons streams on Disney+, and airs on Sky Showcase and Channel 4.
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