The producer of "The Simpsons" and "Rick And Morty" was 54 – Deadline

J. Michael Mendel, award-winning animation producer at Emmy, known for his work on The simpsons and Rick and Morty is dead. He was 54 years old.

Mendel started working on the popular Adult Swim series Rick and Morty when it was launched in 2013. The cable network issued a statement Monday calling him the "heart" of the production team of the show.

"All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by Mike Mendel's untimely death," the statement begins. "Mike was the heart of the Rick and Morty Production family, his talent and fantastic spirit will be missed. "

"Mike was a universally respected producer and Emmy laureate, with over 25 years of experience in the industry, who has guided and supported a generation of artists, artists and artists. writers and creators and its absence will be felt by the entire community, "the statement said. "Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."

Justin Roiland, co-creator of the series, shared a tribute on Twitter.

"My friend, partner and executive producer Mike Mendel is dead," tweeted Roiland on Monday. "I'm devastated, my heart is breaking for his family, I do not know what I'm going to do without you by my side, Mike, I'm destroyed."

Mendel won four Emmys for his work on The simpsons and Rick and Morty.