Chris Ledesma is dead at 64! The man who served as The Simpsons‘ music editor for many years left his imprint before his exit. Although the tragedy is devastating news for the industry, the long-running sitcom paid tribute to him.
His most famous job description for thirty-three years was the music editor on The Simpsons. Since the sitcom’s genesis in 1989, he had been devoted to every episode until May 2022, when he resigned.
Following more than three decades on the show, the music editor grew more familiar with the cast and crew, and for many who worked with him behind the scenes, it was challenging to accept the reality that, indeed, Chris Ledesma is dead.
‘Simpsons’ legend dead at 64: Chris Ledesma worked on every episode for 33 years https://t.co/Cj21v31Js4 pic.twitter.com/HfUHB3LbmQ
— New York Post (@nypost) January 3, 2023
The Simpsons/Its Crew Pay Tribute as Chris Ledesma is Confirmed Dead at 64
The sitcom created a show in honor of the enduring Primetime Emmy nominee in its latest episode. The title read “In loving memory of Chris Ledesma” and was added under an animated version of the deceased.
The Ledesma animation had black hair and a white beard, and he sat on The Simpsons’ couch amidst the family, including Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart.
Also, The Simpsons crew members participated in no small way in sharing their tribute. Many penned down the sweetest words, explaining that the 64-year-old was a talented individual who loved his job.
Matt Selman, showrunner and executive producer, tweeted: “Chris Ledesma was a sweet, goofy guy with a giant heart — his amazing musical life is played out over 33 years of @TheSimpsons.” Animator Matthew Schofield echoed, “he very kindly arranged for me to sit in on the scoring session for my episode “Black Eyed, Please.” A wonderful guy who genuinely loved his job. RIP Chris.”
Ledesma’s Legacy Lives On
Although Chris Ledesma is dead, his works continue to speak for him. The longtime “Simpsons” staff confirmed that he had a genuine passion for his craft. In a 2021 tweet, while celebrating his time on the show, he revealed that he had dedicated half of his life to the show, proudly stating :
“Not many can say they have worked at ANY job anymore for LITERALLY half their lives.”
His love for music began at a young age. At 3, the Southern California native began playing the piano, then as an adult, he studied at the California Institute of the Arts and San Francisco Conservatory of Music as an orchestral conducting major, before permeating showbiz in 1984.
Apart from his life as a music editor and wonderful work relationship with his co-workers, Ledesma had a strong relationship with his wife of nearly forty years. They shared two kids, and in 2010, the couple became first-time grandparents!
