We bid farewell to Tom Cherones, a talented director whose influence on television is undeniable. Cherones has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as the producer and director of 81 out of the first 86 episodes of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. His contributions to TV comedy are often celebrated, with episodes like "The Chinese Restaurant," "The Parking Garage," and "The Contest" frequently cited among the greatest sitcom moments in history. Cherones also had a significant role in directing the cult favorite NewsRadio and worked notably on Ellen DeGeneres’ show, showcasing his versatility across various genres. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Cherones died on January 5th at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer’s Disease, a fact confirmed by his family.
Originally hailing from Alabama, Cherones began his career in public television during the 1970s at the renowned station WQED in Pittsburgh. While he primarily worked as a producer, he once filled in as a director for the beloved children’s show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In 1975, he ventured to Hollywood with his wife, initially securing production roles on popular shows such as General Hospital and various variety programs. His big break in comedy came when he joined the team of Welcome Back, Kotter. Throughout the 1980s, he built a reputation as a reliable producer and director, gathering credits from shows like Growing Pains and Pam Dawber’s My Sister Sam. Interestingly, around 1989, just as he learned that one of his own pilots was rejected, he discovered that a competing project named The Seinfeld Chronicles had been greenlit by NBC and was in search of a producer and director.
Cherones stepped into that role and went on to direct nearly every episode of Seinfeld during its initial five seasons. He played a crucial part in ensuring that the show's notoriously hectic production ran smoothly while also helping to establish its unique visual style. In interviews, he expressed his desire to move away from the oppressive lighting typical of multi-camera sitcoms of that era, striving instead to give Seinfeld a single-camera feel, all while working within traditional limitations. Cherones consistently praised the show’s writing, attributing its comedic essence to Larry David’s genius. He often found himself managing the chaos that surrounded the show's production, including network pushback and delays in the writing process. Yet, his commitment to the show’s distinctive voice was unwavering, as demonstrated when he pushed back against NBC's suggestions to make episodes like "The Chinese Restaurant" appear more conventional, stating, "No, I wasn’t going to do that."
In 1994, after completing the fifth season of Seinfeld, Cherones departed the show, reportedly at Jerry Seinfeld’s request. Reflecting on this transition two decades later, he mentioned, "He was tired of the same thing, I guess." Despite any potential hard feelings regarding his exit, he participated in a cameo alongside many staff members during the show's series finale in 1998, although he personally found the episode too "depressing." Cherones then moved on to direct Ellen, contributing to the show’s second season, and subsequently directed a significant number of episodes in the third, fourth, and fifth seasons of NewsRadio. During his tenure there, he navigated the challenging aftermath of cast member Phil Hartman’s tragic murder in 1998, directing both Hartman’s last episode and a heartfelt tribute to him at the beginning of the final season. Additionally, he helmed several of the series' most imaginative and experimental episodes, including those set in alternate realities.
After NewsRadio concluded, Cherones' directorial work became less frequent, primarily consisting of single episodes on shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Desperate Housewives, and Reaper. However, during this period, he dedicated himself to mentoring and teaching, establishing an annual program at the University of Alabama in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, where he shared his expertise in film and television directing with aspiring students. He took great pride in the fact that graduates from this program were beginning to form a supportive network in Hollywood in the 2010s, embodying his belief that "a kid from Tuscaloosa can do okay in this business."
Ultimately, Tom Cherones’ career illustrates a vital truth about great television: it doesn't simply materialize; it requires hard work and dedication. He would be the first to acknowledge that while he played a crucial role in shaping Seinfeld’s iconic look, the true creative spark came from the writers. His strength lay in his ability to bring their ideas to life, turning concepts like filming an entire episode in a parking garage into reality, despite the myriad challenges that arose. Although fantastic scripts and performances can exist independently, the creation of great television hinges on the relentless commitment to excellence—and Cherones’ extensive resume is a testament to that impact.
