Tom Cherones, the acclaimed director and producer best known for his work on the iconic television series Seinfeld, has passed away at the age of 86. Cherones died on Monday at his home in Florence, Oregon, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by a representative.
Born on September 11, 1939, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Cherones completed his bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of New Mexico in 1961. He later obtained a master’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Alabama in 1966. Cherones also served four years as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before embarking on a career in television.
Cherones began his entertainment journey in educational television while a student at the University of Alabama. He later produced and directed programs for WQED in Pittsburgh, which laid the groundwork for his transition to Hollywood in 1975. His first role in the industry was as a production manager for the soap opera General Hospital.
In 1986, he directed his first television episode, “Babes in the Woods,” for the CBS comedy My Sister Sam. His major breakthrough came in 1990 when he joined the team behind Seinfeld as a director and producer. Over the course of five seasons, Cherones directed and produced a total of 85 episodes. His work on the episode “The Contest” earned him a Directors Guild of America award in 1993 and is frequently ranked among the greatest television episodes of all time.
Impactful Contributions to Television
Cherones directed several episodes of Seinfeld that are considered highlights of the series, including “The Chinese Restaurant” and “The Parking Garage.” He even made a cameo appearance as a fictional director in “The Pilot” episode. His departure from the show after the fifth season was initiated at the request of Jerry Seinfeld, who sought to introduce a new perspective to keep the series fresh. “He was tired of the same thing, I guess. We changed writers almost every season, and finally he just wanted somebody else, another presence,” Cherones noted in an interview with the Television Academy Foundation.
Beyond his work on Seinfeld, Cherones directed 56 episodes of the sitcom NewsRadio and contributed to shows such as Welcome Back, Kotter, Caroline in the City, Annie McGuire, and Ellen. His extensive career in television earned him a place in the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame in 2003.
In addition to his directing accomplishments, Cherones also shared his expertise as an educator. He taught a film production course at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa from 2002 to 2014. In 2012, he published his first novel, The Hardly Boys, a playful parody of the classic Hardy Boys series.
Cherones’ contributions to television continue to resonate, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and audiences alike. His work has not only entertained millions but also shaped the landscape of modern comedy. His legacy is sure to inspire future generations of filmmakers and television creators.
