Dying creator of The Simpsons gives away his $100m fortune "She came up with almost a therapy for me, where we planned and are still planning a series of animal liberations and actions that I get to participate in and enjoy, and have something to look forward to at the same time," he said. And asked by Ms Shriver why he chose animal rights, he said: "I think that my passion for the animals and against animal abuse is based on the knowledge that these creatures which think and feel can't speak for themselves, and they are dependent on us for that. I feel it is my responsibility to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. Mr Simon told Ms Shriver about the moment he was diagnosed. "They showed me my scans," he said. They said these are the scans of a dead man. I said, 'Is it curable?' And they said, 'We don't use that word.' I will say that the doctor said, 'I can't cure you, but my job is to keep you alive. And he has done a remarkable job of it. He has done great. I have never been happier, so thank you doctor. In an article in Vanity Fair in September, the Los Angeles-born comedian took the author to a bear reserve where, in the company of fellow animal campaigner Pamela Andersen, they observed some of the animals which had been rescued by PETA from captivity. He told the journalist: "I will possibly be celebrating my final birthday in a few weeks with two ex-wives, an ex-girlfriend, and a current girlfriend. Probably, my social life is more active than it's ever been. Astonishingly. And that's because of my fine choice in women throughout my life. In my time of need they've all come back to comfort me.