29 Facts About Don Simpson

Donald Clarence Simpson was an American film producer, screenwriter, and actor, known for his work in blockbuster films of the 1980s and '90s.

Don Simpson eventually began a professional partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer, and together, they produced hit films such as Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun, and The Rock.

Don Simpson's parents were strict Baptists and Simpson would go to church four to five times a week.

Don Simpson attended West Anchorage High School and later majored in English at the University of Oregon.

Don Simpson later moved to San Francisco where he worked for a theatrical advertising agency and did public relations for the First International Erotic Film Festival.

Don Simpson got a job marketing exploitation films for Warner Bros in 1972, handling distribution marketing for the movies Woodstock and A Clockwork Orange.

In 1975 Don Simpson went into an interview with Paramount Pictures.

Don Simpson was referred by his friend Steve Tisch, nephew of Larry Tisch, for the job Steve Tisch turned down.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who was already friends with Don Simpson, loaned his personal car to Don Simpson to drive to the interview.

Don Simpson was fired at Paramount in 1982 after passing out during a studio meeting due to drug use.

Don Simpson was working on eight productions at once, and would regularly throw a tantrum while in production.

Don Simpson was known for his brash personality, provocative comments and questionable claims.

Don Simpson worked out every day with special equipment provided by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Don Simpson claimed he discovered Michael Mann, launched Debra Winger's career and cast Richard Gere for American Gigolo.

Don Simpson claimed he created the concept for Beverly Hills Cop, which Michael Eisner denied.

Don Simpson would wear black Levi 501 jeans only before their first wash and then throw them away.

Don Simpson frequented the Canyon Ranch in Arizona for occasional workouts and tanning.

Don Simpson was a fixture on the "Hollywood cocaine-party" circuit throughout the 1970s and '80s, and in his later years became known for throwing lavish all-night parties at his mansion.

Don Simpson had been using cocaine since the 1970s, but increased his usage over the years.

Don Simpson claimed that his only addiction at the time was food.

Don Simpson refused to admit himself into a traditional rehab facility.

Ammerman, who had a history of drug abuse himself, believed that in order for Don Simpson to quit drugs, he had to use other drugs to combat the painful withdrawal symptoms.

Ammerman designed what has been called a "dangerously unorthodox" detox program, which included several medications for Don Simpson to take at home.

Frustrated with Don Simpson's escalating drug use and declining work, Bruckheimer terminated their partnership in December 1995.

Don Simpson died before production was completed, and the film is dedicated to his memory.

On January 19,1996, Don Simpson was found dead in the bathroom of his Bel Air, Los Angeles, home.

An autopsy and toxicology report later determined that Don Simpson had died of heart failure caused by combined drug intoxication.

Don Simpson called Simpson "a supercharged simple-minded creature, an Aesop's fable on crystal meth".

Don Simpson was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted.