As one of the longest running sitcoms on television, The Simpsons has cultivated a family dynamic among the cast and crew that is arguably warmer than that of the beloved main characters. Unfortunately, the team behind the iconic series recently lost one of its key members: music editor Chris Ledesma. The television industry veteran passed away on December 16, 2022 at the age of 64 and his cause of death is unknown. The animated sitcom confirmed Ledesma’s death the most The Simpsons possible right after you really hit a big milestone with the show.
The Fox sitcom acknowledged the musician’s passing through a title card shown at the end of the Jan. 1 episode. The card featured an animated version of the music arranger sitting on the Simpsons’ signature orange couch. In the sweet image, he’s surrounded by TV’s animated family as he leads the Simpson kids, who play instruments. The caption “In Loving Memory of Chris Ledesma” was also part of the tribute. After the presentation of the paper, alumni of the series such as director David Silverman Yes writer and producer Michael Price Mixed reactions on this topic. Check out the loving tribute to the musical master below:
What makes his death even more poignant is that he had just celebrated a milestone with the long-running animated family comedy. The music editor had been with the program from the beginning and, prior to a May 2022 release, had worked on every episode up to that point, totaling 734. His latest (and historic) episode went into airs in November as part of the series’ ongoing 34th season schedule. Ledesma took note of her extensive work on the show in a Twitter post she shared in September 2021. Check out what she had to say about her extensive legacy and check out the massive numbers she has shared:
Today is an important milestone for me. I have 23,242 days. I worked on The Simpsons for 11,621 days. I was born on 01/28/1958. lives. #Grateful #BlessedSeptember 16, 2021
Longtime fans would surely agree that Chris Ledesma was integral to the success of the landmark animated sitcom. Every piece of music and effect was a courtesy of his own musicianship and craftsmanship, and of course also the work of his collaborators. Some may not always notice, but there’s no denying that tunes are a key part of the show’s identity.
Unfortunately, the publisher was only the last The Simpsons staple to die in recent years. Host Edwin Aguilar and Hyman Krustofsky actor Jackie Mason both passed away in 2021, and the news was met with a series of moving tributes from the cast and crew. And before he passed away, the show also lost Martin Prince voice actor (and Minnie Mouse icon) Russi Taylor in 2019. We miss them all, but their legacy will live on. And as for Chris Ledesma, I have no doubt viewers will continue to appreciate his vast work for years to come.
If you want to rewatch all 734 episodes to hear the music you’ve selected, just stream The Simpsons using a Hulu subscription. Note that the show is also part of the 2023 TV schedule along with other major offerings.
Source: Cinemablend
