Don Simpson (October 29, 1943 - January 19, 1996) was an American film producer. He is known for such hits as Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun and The Rock. In 1985 and again in 1988, he and his producing partner, Jerry Bruckheimer, were named Producers of the Year by the National Association of Theater Owners.
One of the most prolific partnerships in motion picture history, Simpson and Bruckheimer produced films that were honored with 15 Academy Award nominations, two Oscars for Best Song, four Grammys, three Golden Globes, two People's Choice Awards for Best Picture, and the MTV award for Best Picture of the Decade. Equally important to Simpson creatively was the fact that the films were turning the stars into box office giants. "Bad Boys", and "Beverly Hills Cop" launched Eddie Murphy's career and "Top Gun" made Tom Cruise an international superstar.
Simpson was found dead in his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death was a cardiac arrest from Combined Drug Intoxication (CDI).
According to High Concept, a Simpson biography by reporter Charles Fleming, Simpson had a $60,000 per month drug habit at the time of his death. His job as an executive at Paramount Pictures came to an end when he allegedly passed out in the middle of a meeting.
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