AS the co-creator of iconic animation series The Simpsons, Sam Simon has amassed a personal fortune of more than $100 million.

But as he enters his final days, battling terminal colon cancer, the famed Hollywood producer and director is giving it all away to charity.

media_camera Charitable giver ... Sam Simon with Bob Barker at the Mercy for Animals fundraiser in June last year. Picture: Getty Images

Since partnering with groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Save the Children and Feeding Families, the now 59-year-old has donated tens of millions of dollars to worthy causes.

Simon was delivered his death sentence in 2012 and given just three to six months to live.

While he defied that initial prognosis, the animal lover is now said to be entering his final days, prompting him to sit down for an interview with NBC.

media_camera Animal lover ... Sam Simon, pictured with his two dogs, is battling terminal colon cancer. Picture: Twitter

Speaking to Maria Shriver, Simon explained his approach to battling terminal cancer and why it is “the most amazing experience” he has endured.

“Cancer is a horrible disease. I’m struggling with it. It’s a journey, it’s a fight, it’s tough … but, if you want publicity and you want to pick up girls, cancer is the greatest thing in the world.”

That publicity has raised considerable awareness for Simon’s favourite organisations, which he supports financially via his own foundation.

media_camera Hands on ... when he’s well enough, Sam likes to see first hand the positive work his money is helping to fund. Picture: Twitter

His funds have helped PETA rescue countless mistreated animals and run conservation programs — some of which Simon has been directly involved with.

His passion for animal rights is “based on the knowledge that these creatures that feel and think can’t speak for themselves.”

When he’s well enough, the famed producer and director accompanies the group on some of their raids and documents the experiences on social media.

media_camera Best friend ... Sam with his dog Colombo. Picture: Twitter

“I feel great, I’ve never been happier,” Simon told NBC.

“Somehow, I ended up surrounded by people who love me and take care of me. It’s a good feeling. I think I may have had a problem letting it in before.

media_camera Iconic show ... Sam co-created The Simpsons with Matt Groening but quit the show in 1993. Picture: Supplied media_camera Sit down ... Sam gave an interview to NBC, which aired in the US at the weekend, explaining his outlook on life.

Simon created The Simpsons alongside Matt Groening. The pair had a notoriously volatile relationship and Simon quit the show in 1993.

After he left the show he retained a lucrative executive producer title and continued to collect a hefty sum each year from royalties.

Now his fortune is being distributed to a collection of non-profit groups, including Australian based anti-whaling body the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which named one of its ships after him in 2012.

Originally published as Simpsons creator to give away fortune