Beloved TV Director and Producer Tom Cherones Passes Away at 86
Tom Cherones, the visionary director and producer behind some of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, has left us far too soon. The 86-year-old Cherones passed away on January 5th from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
Best known for his work as a key member of the Seinfeld production team, Cherones directed an impressive 81 episodes of the hit show during its first five seasons. He was instrumental in shaping the visual language of the series, experimenting with multi-camera techniques to achieve a more cinematic look that set the standard for sitcoms to come.
Cherones's creative influence extended far beyond Seinfeld, however. He went on to direct numerous episodes of other beloved shows, including Caroline in the City, NewsRadio, and Desperate Housewives. His versatility as a producer and director earned him six Emmy nominations, one DGA Award, and a Golden Globe for his work on Seinfeld.
Born on September 11th, 1939, Cherones began his career in journalism before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1967. He later earned a master's degree in broadcast and film communications from the University of Alabama. Before joining the Seinfeld team, Cherones worked at various PBS affiliates and production companies, including WQED in Pittsburgh.
Cherones is survived by his wife, Carol E. Richards; daughter, Susan Cherones Lee; son, Scott Cherones; grandchildren Jessa and Thomas Cherones; as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His legacy as a talented director and producer will be deeply missed in the television industry.
Tom Cherones, the visionary director and producer behind some of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, has left us far too soon. The 86-year-old Cherones passed away on January 5th from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
Best known for his work as a key member of the Seinfeld production team, Cherones directed an impressive 81 episodes of the hit show during its first five seasons. He was instrumental in shaping the visual language of the series, experimenting with multi-camera techniques to achieve a more cinematic look that set the standard for sitcoms to come.
Cherones's creative influence extended far beyond Seinfeld, however. He went on to direct numerous episodes of other beloved shows, including Caroline in the City, NewsRadio, and Desperate Housewives. His versatility as a producer and director earned him six Emmy nominations, one DGA Award, and a Golden Globe for his work on Seinfeld.
Born on September 11th, 1939, Cherones began his career in journalism before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1967. He later earned a master's degree in broadcast and film communications from the University of Alabama. Before joining the Seinfeld team, Cherones worked at various PBS affiliates and production companies, including WQED in Pittsburgh.
Cherones is survived by his wife, Carol E. Richards; daughter, Susan Cherones Lee; son, Scott Cherones; grandchildren Jessa and Thomas Cherones; as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His legacy as a talented director and producer will be deeply missed in the television industry.
just heard about Tom Cherones passing away... 86 is way too young for someone who's still got so much life to live 
. He was one of those legends behind some of my favorite shows, like Seinfeld and Desperate Housewives 
. I mean, have you seen the way he worked with multi-camera techniques? Genius stuff! 
But, at the same time, it's crazy how Alzheimer's just took him away from us... can't help but think about all the other stories that aren't being told because of this disease 
. Guess we'll never see another episode of Seinfeld or NewsRadio with his creative touch 
. Anyway, gotta give it up for a legendary director like Tom Cherones 
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... how many people get diagnosed that young? And what's with all the nostalgia vibes on social media? I mean, we love looking back at the good ol' Seinfeld days, but let's not forget all the other talented folks who contributed to those iconic shows 
. Cherones was definitely a key player, but I'm sure there were others behind the scenes who deserve some recognition too 
. Anyway, it's always sad when we lose someone with such impressive credentials... here's to his legacy! 
Oh man, I'm so sad to hear about Tom Cherones passing away 
... 86 is crazy old for someone who was still creating iconic TV shows 
. Seinfeld is still one of my all-time faves and it's wild to think that he directed an insane amount of episodes (81!?!?) during its first five seasons. I love how he experimented with multi-camera techniques to give it a more cinematic feel... it really paid off 
and his impact on shows like Seinfeld, Caroline in the City, NewsRadio, and Desperate Housewives is still felt today 
his legacy will live on through the countless people his work has inspired 
. I mean don't get me wrong, Alzheimer's is a tough nut to crack, but 86 feels kinda young for passing away... especially when you're still working and loving what you do 
I mean, who can forget all those classic episodes he directed? 
. He experimented with multi-camera techniques and it totally changed the game for sitcoms. Sadly, Alzheimer's got him, but his legacy lives on through all the amazing shows he worked on 
just heard about Tom Cherones passing away at 86... what's with all these 'iconic' sitcoms and directors getting old and leaving us? 
I mean, I'm sure he was great and all, but it just seems like every time a legendary director or producer dies, we're told how "instrumental" they were in shaping the industry... meanwhile, what about the ones who are still alive and working their magic? 
. Cherones's contributions to TV history will be deeply missed by industry professionals and audiences alike 
. sad to see him go, but his legacy will live on through all the shows he touched 
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. He was indeed an iconic figure in TV history, especially with Seinfeld. It's crazy to think he was behind so many classic episodes 
can u believe he directed 81 episodes?!