Chris Ledesma Dead: 'The Simpsons' Pay Tribute to Long-Standing Music Editor

Chris Ledesma worked as the music editor for the hit sitcom show "The Simpsons" for decades, in fact, he spent most of his life dedicated to making music for the show.

Most fans don't know much about the people, faces, and names behind the animated show, but now they will.

According to reports, the long-standing music editor of "The Simpsons" passed away at 64.

After the show's New Year's Day episode aired, a tribute to Ledesma was included in the post-credits. It showed the Simpsons family sitting on their couch with an illustrated version of Ledesma holding a conductor's baton, while Lisa played the trumpet, Maggie with a tambourine, and Bart with a triangle. The tribute read: "In loving memory of Chris Ledesma."

Heartfelt Goodbyes

Aside from the personalized tribute on the post-credits, several of Ledesma's colleagues took to social media to mourn his death.

"The Simpsons" writer Carolyn Omine shared a picture of the show's tribute and wrote: "Chris Ledesma was a sweet man who loved his job and was really, really good at it. We miss him."

Matt Selman and Al Jean, the showrunners, also paid tribute to the music editor. "Chris Ledesma was a sweet, goofy guy with a giant heart-his amazing musical life is played out over 33 years of 'The Simpsons'," Selman wrote, and shared a picture of Ledesma cutting into a "The Simpsons"-inspired cake.

"A wonderful, hard-working, very talented man who will be missed by all he news," Jean simply wrote.

After three decades of working on "The Simpsons," with over 700 episodes and 30 seasons under his belt, Ledesma threw the towel in just last year in May, reports say. He passed his conductor's baton over to Jake Schaefer, the current music editor for "The Simpsons."

Schaefer also paid tribute to his predecessor on Twitter, "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."

Fans were equally shocked and distraught by the news of Ledesma's death: "So sad to hear of Chris passing. What a talent and what a kind man. During our days as tour guides at Universal Studios, I never heard him speak [ill] of anyone. Condolences to his family and friends."

"I was really shocked after I saw that screen at the end of yesterday's episode. I saw his work, all of those photos, and I think he was the best person ever. I'm giving all of my condolences to his family & to all the crew. I'll always remember you, Maestro," another added.

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Death, Tribute