The world of television comedy has lost one of its quiet giants. The Emmy-winning writer, whose wit and creativity helped shape some of the most beloved shows of the past four decades, has died at the age of 68.
For fans of The Simpsons, Rugrats, and The Wild Thornberrys, his passing marks the end of an era—one defined by sharp humour, heartfelt storytelling, and a knack for capturing the quirks of family life.
Born on 19 May 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri, Stephen Robert ‘Steve’ Pepoon’s journey from the American Midwest to the heart of Hollywood is a testament to the power of following one’s passion.
After graduating from Kansas State University in 1978, Pepoon packed his bags and headed to Los Angeles, determined to make his mark in television writing.
His first big break came in 1987 as a staff writer on the cult classic ALF, a sitcom about a wisecracking alien living with a suburban family.
From there, his career blossomed, with writing credits on It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Get A Life, and even the Ferris Bueller TV spin-off. Pepoon’s unique comedic voice—equal parts clever, irreverent, and deeply human—quickly set him apart in a crowded field.
For many, Steve Pepoon will be best remembered for his work on The Simpsons, the animated juggernaut that redefined television comedy.
In particular, he penned the iconic Season 2 episode Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment, which aired in 1991. The episode, which sees Homer illegally hooking up cable TV and Lisa grappling with the moral implications, is widely regarded as one of the show’s early masterpieces.
It earned Pepoon a coveted Primetime Emmy Award and remains a fan favourite to this day.
In a 2016 interview, Pepoon displayed his trademark humility, reflecting on the honour: ‘For whatever reason, they chose my episode.’
Pepoon’s talents weren’t limited to The Simpsons. He co-created Nickelodeon’s The Wild Thornberrys, an animated series that followed a globe-trotting family of wildlife documentarians.
Alongside collaborators Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, David Silverman, and Stephen Sustarsic, Pepoon helped bring to life a show that delighted children and adults alike with its adventurous spirit and environmental themes.
He also contributed to the writing of Rugrats, another Nickelodeon staple, and worked on the hit sitcom Roseanne. His versatility as a writer allowed him to move seamlessly between genres, from animated adventures to live-action comedies.
In recent years, Pepoon had been undergoing treatment for cardiac amyloidosis, a rare heart condition caused by the build-up of amyloid proteins in the body.
Despite his health struggles, he remained active and engaged with his family and friends until his unexpected passing outside his home in Paola, Kansas, on 3 May 2025.
His wife, Mary Stephenson, confirmed the sad news, and the family is planning a celebration of his life in the coming weeks.
His family posted on Facebook: ‘Steve was a beloved member of our family and was cherished by many friends. He will be greatly missed.’
He is survived by his brothers, Michael and Bill; sisters-in-law, Sonja and Francesca; stepchildren, Katie and Nick; and grandchildren, Micah, McKenzie, Lily, Audrey, and Dean.
News of Pepoon’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude from fans and colleagues alike.
Social media has been flooded with tributes, with one user calling him the ‘pride of Paola, Kansas’.
Others have shared memories of how his work touched their lives, whether through the laughter of a Simpsons episode or the adventures of the Thornberry family.
Did you have a favourite episode of The Simpsons or The Wild Thornberrys? Do you remember watching these shows with your family? We’d love to hear your memories and tributes to Steve Pepoon in the comments below.
Rest in peace, Steve Pepoon. Your stories—and your laughter—live on.
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