J. Michael Mendel, who had produced for popular shows such as Rick and Morty, The Simpsons, and The Critic has died at the age of 54, The Independent reports.
Adult Swim, the production company behind Rick and Morty, released the following statement:
"All of us at Adult Swim are devastated by the untimely passing of Mike Mendel. Mike was the heart of the Rick and Morty production family, his fantastic talent and wit will be sorely missed. Mike was a universally respected Emmy-winning producer with over 25 years in the industry, who guided and supported a generation of artists, writers and creators and his absence will be felt by the entire community. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."
Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland also shared a special tribute to Mendel on Twitter, revealing that he was "devastated" and "destroyed" by the tragic news.
"My friend, partner, and line producer Mike Mendel passed away," he wrote. "I am devastated. My heart breaks for his family. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you by my side Mike. I’m destroyed."
The Emmy award-winning producer had worked in the industry for over 25 years on a number of successful series including Good Vibes, The PJs, The Oblongs, Drawn Together and many more.
When Mendel started working on The Simpsons, it was still a series of shorts which aired as part of The Tracy Ullman Show before it became the mega-successful long-running series that it is today.
As far as his work on Rick and Morty is concerned, Mendel was last credited on the season 3 premiere, The Rickshank Redemption, which many viewers regarded as a great first episode to a new season.
Our thoughts go out to Mendel's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
