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Emmy-Winning 'Seinfeld' Director Tom Cherones Dies at 86 After Alzheimer's Battle

Emmy-winning television director and producer Tom Cherones has passed away at age 86 at his home in Oregon. He was best known for directing 85 episodes of the iconic sitcom "Seinfeld," including the early episode "The Stakeout." Cherones shared an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1993 with creators Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. His career also included work on shows like "NewsRadio" and a stint in educational television after serving in the U.S. Navy.

Key Points: 'Seinfeld' Director Tom Cherones Dies at 86

  • Directed 85 'Seinfeld' episodes
  • Won 1993 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Battled Alzheimer's disease
  • Had a career spanning TV and educational programming
  • Served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy
2 min read

Emmy-winning 'Seinfeld' director Tom Cherones passes away at 86

Emmy-winning director Tom Cherones, who helmed 85 episodes of 'Seinfeld,' passes away at 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

"Creator Jerry Seinfeld was tired of the same thing, I guess... he just wanted somebody else, another presence, to try to keep it fresh. - Tom Cherones"

Los Angeles, January 10

Emmy-winning producer, director Tom Cherones, known for his work on 'Seinfeld', has passed away at 86, reported Deadline.

The filmmaker died at his home in Florence, Oregon, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Tom Cherones famously directed and produced the second 'Seinfeld' episode titled 'The Stakeout', which was released in May 1990. He received six Emmy nominations along the way and even won the coveted trophy for Outstanding Comedy Series, sharing it with creators Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David in 1993.

During this stint, he also appeared on the show, just once in episode four, 'The Pilot'.

Born on September 11, 1939, in Tuscaloosa, AL, Cherones did his graduation the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He later received a master's degree in telecommunications from the University of Alabama.

Cherones also served four years as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, as per Deadline.

While doing his master's degree, Cherones began working in educational television and even produced and directed programs for WQED in Pittsburgh. In 1975, he moved to Hollywood and landed his first job as a production manager for General Hospital.

Tom Cherones' first work as a TV director came with the 1986 show 'Babes in the Woods'. It was finally in 1990 that he began work on 'Seinfeld' as a director and producer in a total of 85 episodes.

He left the show after the fifth season.

"Creator Jerry Seinfeld was tired of the same thing, I guess. We changed writers almost every season, and finally, he just wanted somebody else, another presence, to try to keep it fresh," Cherones said in an interview, as quoted by Deadline.

Tom Cherones' other direction credits include 'NewsRadio', 'Welcome Back Kotter', 'Caroline in the City', 'Annie McGuire and Ellen'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
86 is a good long life, but Alzheimer's is a cruel way to go. My respects to his family. His work on Seinfeld's early seasons really set the visual tone for the show. A true legend behind the camera.
A
Ananya R
I had no idea an American sitcom director had such a connection to journalism and educational TV! His career path from journalism to Hollywood is inspiring. WQED is a famous station. His legacy is much more than just Seinfeld.
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Vikram M
It's always the people behind the scenes who shape our favourite shows. 85 episodes of Seinfeld! That's most of the golden era. The show's humour, while very New York, had a universal quality that resonated even here. Cherones helped create that magic. Om Shanti.
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David E
Respectfully, while his contribution is noted, the article feels like it's glossing over his exit. He says Jerry wanted "someone else to keep it fresh." That must have been tough after directing so many episodes. It highlights the often-unseen pressures in show business.
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Priya S
A Navy lieutenant too! A man of many talents. 'The Stakeout' is a classic episode. His work brought so much laughter to millions, including us here in India. That's a life well lived. Condolences to his loved ones. 😔

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