Jennifer Tilly Honors Sam Simon with a Touching Tribute

On June 6, Jennifer Tilly took to her Instagram, sharing a touching tribute to her late ex-husband, Sam Simon, marking what would have been his 70th birthday. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star posted a nostalgic photo from their past, perfectly encapsulating a moment from their seven-year marriage before their divorce in 1991.

Tilly’s heartfelt message read, “Happy Birthday Sam. 🕊️ You will always be in our hearts,” resonating deeply with her followers. Fans flocked to the comments to express their remembrances, saluting Simon, who passed away in 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Many highlighted his remarkable contribution to television as the co-creator of the iconic animated sitcom, The Simpsons. One fan poignantly commented, “Happy birthday, Sam 🕊❤️‍🩹 Thank you for making an iconic show that is The Simpsons 🤍.”

Another commenter shared a personal sentiment, celebrating the bond through shared birthdays: “Sharing a birthday with him is truly such a blessing. No matter where he is in this world ❤️ happy birthday to the both of us, Sam 😌.” Numerous fans reiterated their affection, with one stating, “Such a beautiful tribute, Jenn. He’ll always be remembered. 🤍🕊️.”

Tilly has consistently reflected on her relationship with Simon throughout her time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, particularly in conversations about her past during the recently premiered 14th season in November 2024. In one memorable episode, Tilly revealed that her divorce settlement included a stake in The Simpsons, which has significantly contributed to her wealth. “So every day, honestly, every day I’m like, ‘Thank you, Sam,’” she expressed during the show.

In a deep revelation during the February 2025 episode of RHOBH: After Show, she shared how she and Simon rekindled their bond post-divorce. Tilly reflected, “We were very close after we got divorced. He was probably my best friend for 30 years.” This candidness reflected a profound connection, free from the expectations that often accompany marriage.

As the conversation transitioned to their dynamic, she noted the ease of their friendship once the marital ties were severed, stating, “It seemed weird, like, once I wasn’t saddled with being a wife and all the expectations that came along with being a wife, then it seemed like it liberated us to be really close because we were there because we wanted to be there.” Tilly further extended her love and support to Simon during his final days, taking on the role of caretaker during his illness.

Through this heartfelt tribute and ongoing reflection on their life together, Jennifer Tilly continues to keep Sam Simon’s memory alive, reminding many of the timeless bonds forged between love and friendship. Her unwavering appreciation for him, matched with the supportive words from fans, highlights the significant impact Simon had both in life and through his creative legacy.