The Simpsons’ long-running music editor Chris Ledesma has died at the age of 64.
The animated sitcom paid tribute to the late editor with a title card in its latest episode that read: “In loving memory of Chris Ledesma.”
The fitting tribute was displayed below an animated version of Chris holding a conductor’s baton. In the shot, he’s seated among the Simpsons clan with Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie all present on screen.
Ledesma worked on every episode of The Simpsons during his 33-year run as the show’s music editor. He joined in 1989 and stepped down from his role in May 2022.
In September 2021, Chris had taken to Twitter to mark a “significant” milestone as he confirmed he had worked on The Simpsons for “half” of his life.
He wrote: “Today is a significant milestone for me. I am 23,242 days old I have worked on The Simpsons for 11,621 days. Born 1/28/1958. First day on #TheSimpsons 11/22/1989. Not many can say they have worked at ANY job any more for LITERALLY half their lives.”
Chris Ledesma was one of the kindest, mega-talented people working on a crew full of kind, mega-talented people. I hadn’t worked with him in a while but his friendliness over twitter these last few years was truly felt. Rest in peace, dear Chris.
— Josh Weinstein (@Joshstrangehill) January 2, 2023
Members of The Simpsons crew took to Twitter to remember Ledesma and his legacy, with executive producer Matt Selman posting a screenshot of the included tribute scene.
“Chris Ledesma was one of the kindest, mega-talented people working on a crew full of kind, mega-talented people,” Simpsons writer and producer Josh Weinstein said in a statement. “I hadn’t worked with him in a while but his friendliness over Twitter these last few years was truly felt. Rest in peace, dear Chris.”
Chris Ledesma’s passion for music and for @TheSimpsons was an inspiration. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with him this year. He was a great mentor and a genuine person. My heart goes out to his family.
— Jake Schaefer (@jschaefermusic) January 2, 2023
Rest In Peace Chris 💛 pic.twitter.com/2KRPAlAQ6U
Similarly, new music editor Jake Schaefer wrote: “Chris Ledesma’s passion for music and for The Simpsons was an inspiration. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with him this year. He was a great mentor and a genuine person. My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace Chris.”
Writer Carolyn Omine also wrote: “Chris Ledesma was a sweet man who loved his job and was really, really good at it. We miss him.”