Jennifer Tilly’s Simpsons Connection and Marriage to Sam Simon Explained

Jennifer Tilly RHOBH
Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Jennifer Tilly is an actress known for her distinctive breathy voice and comedic timing. But Bravo viewers are getting to know her as Sutton Stracke’s best friend on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The professional poker player has brought a lightheartedness to the group, especially with Dorit Kemsley and Kyle Richards fighting. Jennifer seems to fly under the radar, but she is a rich b*tch, just like her good friend. After showing up with a boat-themed Louis Vuitton purse, I wanted to know more about where she gets her money.

Jennifer Tilly is laughing all the way to the bank

During the latest episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the 66-year-old dropped a bomb regarding her finances. With the news, Jennifer solidified that she would be an iconic addition to the series. It turns out she owns a piece of The Simpsons. Yes, those Simpsons, Homer, and all. Viewers might have thought her money came from her part in The Bride of Chucky, but it turns out that the everlasting cartoon has made her a pretty penny. Jennifer was married to Sam Simon from 1984 to 1991. He helped develop Fox’s hit animated series that debuted in 1989 and still runs to this day. In its 36th season, The Simpsons are going strong with no end in sight.    

During the recent RHOBH episode, Jennifer confessed that she actually owns a chunk of the show, which she was given in her divorce from Sam. Jennifer noted, ‘My ex-husband was Sam Simon, who created The Simpsons. I was married to him for seven years. We were together for about ten years. And then, when we got divorced, I got a piece of The Simpsons in the divorce settlement, and nobody knew that The Simpsons was gonna go on for trillions of years. So, every day, honestly every day, I’m like, thank you, Sam.”

Jennifer Tilly keeps her wealth under wraps

Most viewers think that Matt Groening created The Simpsons alone. But in reality, Sam, Matt, and James L. Brooks all served as showrunners for the first four seasons. Sam did leave The Simpsons in 1993 but made sure to secure himself a great exit deal. In the agreement, Sam continued to earn himself a portion of the cartoon’s profit every year, which was reportedly worth up to $10 million a year. Even though the couple divorced, Jennifer and Sam remained close for many years. Sadly, Sam passed away in 2015 from colon cancer.

In his will, Sam left 30% of his royalties from The Simpsons to his ex-wife. Sam was worth $100 million by the time he passed away and donated much of his estate to charities. After Sam’s death, Jennifer filed a claim with her ex’s estate stating that their divorce decree guaranteed her an “ongoing community property interest,” which meant Jennifer was entitled to one-half of Simon’s interest, according to The Daily Mail. Sam’s community property also included projects like The Drew Carey Show, Taxi, Cheers, The Tracey Ullman Show, and Saturday Night Live. Jennifer once noted on The Originals podcast, “I used to do a lot of movies because the roof was leaking or to pay for the plumbing, and now I don’t have to.”

RHOBH fans love Jennifer Tilly’s ‘Simpson money’

Just like Erika Jayne, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills followers also noticed that Jennifer was dripping in money during the latest RHOBH episode. The Pretty Mess singer pointed out the actress’s $33,000 purse. Erika said, “What Jennifer’s holding, that looks like a boat, isn’t. It’s actually art. And it’s actually very pricey. She has very unique pieces. And I know because I’m looking at them. And I’m coveting my neighbor’s goods. I’m like, ‘Goddamn it.'” Fans loved that Jennifer had “Simpson money,” as they called it, and showed their support on social media. 

One fan wrote on X, “Whew, jennifer tilly has her a BAG. literally and figuratively.”’ Another added,” Honestly, every confessional from Jennifer Tilly just makes me love her more than I already did.” What currently feels so great about Jennifer is how she is keeping her wealth understated. I mean, there are only so many ways you can hide a $33,000 purse, but she doesn’t seem to rub her deep pockets in anyone’s face. So good for Jennifer for having a little Simpson’s money. Her co-stars should be happy as it might mean they get an unlimited supply of donuts whenever they visit her. I know Homer would appreciate the gesture. 

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Tuesdays on Bravo. 

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