he became a successful businessman and built an elaborate home in toluca lake, los angeles, where he lived until his death in 1979 at the age of 64. the house included two organs and a 63-seat home theatre, where he showed movies to large audiences every week for many years. outgoing and sociable, simonton was popular in the hollywood community. friends and visitors included people such as groucho marx, laurence olivier, and the composer aram khachaturian. his best friend for many years was the silent film star harold lloyd; he was a trustee of lloyd's estate.