Beloved 'Seinfeld' Producer and Director Tom Cherones Passes Away at 86
The television industry has lost a creative giant with the passing of Tom Cherones, a renowned director and producer best known for his work on the hit sitcom "Seinfeld". Cherones died at the age of 86, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the world of comedy.
Cherones's directing career spanned over five decades, during which he directed some of the most iconic episodes of "Seinfeld", including "The Stakeout," "The Chinese Restaurant," and "The Contest." His unique visual style, characterized by wearing Hawaiian shirts on set, contributed to the show's distinctive look and feel. One of his most memorable appearances was as himself in a fourth-season episode, where he playfully threatened Jason Alexander's George Costanza.
Throughout his career, Cherones received widespread critical acclaim, including six Emmy nominations and wins for outstanding comedy series, DGA Award, and Golden Globe. He also produced and directed numerous other TV shows, such as "Caroline in the City," "NewsRadio," and "Desperate Housewives."
Born on September 11, 1939, Cherones began his career in television as a production manager before transitioning to directing and producing. Before joining the "Seinfeld" team, he worked with various networks and productions, including PBS affiliates and major studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount.
After leaving "Seinfeld," Cherones taught a class in television production at the University of Alabama for over a decade, giving back to the community that had nurtured his career. He is survived by his wife Carol E. Richards, two children, and several grandchildren.
Cherones's passing marks the end of an era in the entertainment industry, but his legacy as a visionary director and producer will live on through the countless hours of laughter and joy he brought to audiences worldwide with "Seinfeld" and other iconic TV shows.
The television industry has lost a creative giant with the passing of Tom Cherones, a renowned director and producer best known for his work on the hit sitcom "Seinfeld". Cherones died at the age of 86, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the world of comedy.
Cherones's directing career spanned over five decades, during which he directed some of the most iconic episodes of "Seinfeld", including "The Stakeout," "The Chinese Restaurant," and "The Contest." His unique visual style, characterized by wearing Hawaiian shirts on set, contributed to the show's distinctive look and feel. One of his most memorable appearances was as himself in a fourth-season episode, where he playfully threatened Jason Alexander's George Costanza.
Throughout his career, Cherones received widespread critical acclaim, including six Emmy nominations and wins for outstanding comedy series, DGA Award, and Golden Globe. He also produced and directed numerous other TV shows, such as "Caroline in the City," "NewsRadio," and "Desperate Housewives."
Born on September 11, 1939, Cherones began his career in television as a production manager before transitioning to directing and producing. Before joining the "Seinfeld" team, he worked with various networks and productions, including PBS affiliates and major studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount.
After leaving "Seinfeld," Cherones taught a class in television production at the University of Alabama for over a decade, giving back to the community that had nurtured his career. He is survived by his wife Carol E. Richards, two children, and several grandchildren.
Cherones's passing marks the end of an era in the entertainment industry, but his legacy as a visionary director and producer will live on through the countless hours of laughter and joy he brought to audiences worldwide with "Seinfeld" and other iconic TV shows.
... I mean, I loved the show too, don't get me wrong, but come on, Cherones could've just stepped down or taken a break if he wanted to. maybe there's more to this story than we know? all these major networks and shows he worked with, did they all have their hands in something... idk, just my two cents
just heard about Tom Cherones' passing at 86... what a legend! I grew up watching Seinfeld and he was always behind the scenes but you could feel his presence in every episode 
He had this quirky style that added to the show's charm, who can forget those Hawaiian shirts on set? 
Cherones may be gone but his work will continue to make us laugh for generations to come 
tom cherones was such a legend in tv comedy, remember him wearing those Hawaiian shirts all the time? 
did you watch seinfeld when it first aired back in the 90s? what's your favorite episode or character? 
just heard the news about Tom Cherones 
he was like a mastermind behind Seinfeld's success 
love how he wore those Hawaiian shirts on set, it's like they were an extension of his creativity 
can't believe he passed away at 86, feels like just yesterday we're watching him bring Jerry, Elaine, and George to life 
... I mean, it's sad to hear that Tom Cherones is gone 
I'm glad we got to see him shine on Seinfeld - who wouldn't want a boss like George Costanza, am I right? 
). RIP Tom Cherones - you may be gone but your episodes will still make us LOL 
just read about Tom Cherones and gotta say, 86 is old, but I guess you can pack a lot into that kinda life span... always thought directing a show like Seinfeld was all about being quick witted & observant, Cherones seemed to have mastered that skill, & now his legacy is left for us... also think about how crazy it must be to play yourself in an episode of your own show 
. I loved his style on Seinfeld, especially those Hawaiian shirts 
. He was more than just a director or producer, he was like part of the show's DNA 
. And can you believe he taught a class at Alabama for over a decade after leaving Seinfeld? Respect 
.
Anyway, his work on Seinfeld is still iconic, but have you seen some of the other shows he worked on? "Caroline in the City" was pretty cool too, I think. And it's nice to hear that he taught a class at the University of Alabama - that's the kind of giving back that really gets me 
and now they're all gonna say "back in my day..." 
anyway what's next for tv? are we gonna start watching reruns of our grandparents' shows again? 
. And what a legacy, huh? Just a bunch of awards and a TV show that everyone loves... yeah right, it's all about the ratings, folks 
. Cherones was probably just a puppet on strings anyway 
. I mean, he did work with some big names, but let's not forget he was also producing and directing other shows to try and stay relevant 
. It's great to see how he gave back to the community by teaching a class at the University of Alabama for years 
. RIP Tom, you were truly a creative giant 
? anyway, Cherones was def one of a kind 