Renowned 'Seinfeld' Producer and Director Tom Cherones Passes Away at 86
Tom Cherones, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic episodes of 'Seinfeld,' has left an indelible mark on television history. The veteran producer and director, who worked tirelessly to shape the show's visual language and tone, passed away on January 5th at the age of 86 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Cherones's career in television spanned over five decades, with his credits including some of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. His first directing credit for 'Seinfeld' was the show's second episode, "The Stakeout," which aired in May 1990. What set Cherones apart from other directors was his innovative approach to multi-camera shooting, which gave the show a cinematic look that captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout his tenure on 'Seinfeld,' Cherones directed some of the show's most experimental episodes, including "The Chinese Restaurant," "The Parking Garage," and "The Contest." His impact on the show was so profound that he received six Emmy nominations and, in 1993, shared the coveted award for outstanding comedy series with creators Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.
Cherones's work extended beyond 'Seinfeld,' however. He produced and directed numerous episodes of other popular sitcoms, including "Caroline in the City," "NewsRadio," "Ellen," and "Desperate Housewives." His credits also include several films, including the feature-length production "Two of Hearts" for cable and public television.
In addition to his impressive body of work, Cherones was a dedicated educator. He taught a class in television production at the University of Alabama for 12 years, pro bono. The legacy he leaves behind is one of creativity, innovation, and a passion for storytelling that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and producers.
Cherones is survived by his wife, Carol E. Richards; his two children, Susan Cherones Lee and Scott Cherones; and several grandchildren, including Jessa and Thomas Cherones. His passing marks the end of an era in television comedy, but his contributions will remain forever etched in the annals of entertainment history.
Tom Cherones, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic episodes of 'Seinfeld,' has left an indelible mark on television history. The veteran producer and director, who worked tirelessly to shape the show's visual language and tone, passed away on January 5th at the age of 86 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Cherones's career in television spanned over five decades, with his credits including some of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. His first directing credit for 'Seinfeld' was the show's second episode, "The Stakeout," which aired in May 1990. What set Cherones apart from other directors was his innovative approach to multi-camera shooting, which gave the show a cinematic look that captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout his tenure on 'Seinfeld,' Cherones directed some of the show's most experimental episodes, including "The Chinese Restaurant," "The Parking Garage," and "The Contest." His impact on the show was so profound that he received six Emmy nominations and, in 1993, shared the coveted award for outstanding comedy series with creators Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.
Cherones's work extended beyond 'Seinfeld,' however. He produced and directed numerous episodes of other popular sitcoms, including "Caroline in the City," "NewsRadio," "Ellen," and "Desperate Housewives." His credits also include several films, including the feature-length production "Two of Hearts" for cable and public television.
In addition to his impressive body of work, Cherones was a dedicated educator. He taught a class in television production at the University of Alabama for 12 years, pro bono. The legacy he leaves behind is one of creativity, innovation, and a passion for storytelling that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and producers.
Cherones is survived by his wife, Carol E. Richards; his two children, Susan Cherones Lee and Scott Cherones; and several grandchildren, including Jessa and Thomas Cherones. His passing marks the end of an era in television comedy, but his contributions will remain forever etched in the annals of entertainment history.