March 5, 2024
‘The Backyardigans’ Creator Janice Burgess Dies At 72
Janice Burgess, the creator of "The Backyardigans," died March 4.
Janie Burgess, the creative mind behind Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series, The Backyardigans, died March 4 at the age of 72, according to Daily Mail. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Fellow animation writer Fracaswell Hyman confirmed the news on social media.
Hyman shared a heartfelt tribute to Burgess, recounting their professional collaboration and friendship.
“Janice created The Backyardigans and guided countless other shows for Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Disney, and Apple TV. Her script/story critiques were astute, clear, and constructive,” he wrote.
Recalling their encounter in the 1990s, when Burgess served as the executive in charge of production for Gullah Gullah Island, Hyman said “Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves, and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend.”
Burgess, a Brandeis University graduate with a degree in art history, transitioned from working in craft services for WQED T in Pittsburgh to holding key positions at Children’s Television Workshop. She joined Nickelodeon as an executive in charge of production for Nick Jr. before venturing into the creative realm.
Her impact on children’s television was monumental. Burgess played a pivotal role in overseeing hit shows like Blue’s Clues, Allegra’s Window, and Gullah Gullah Island before embarking on her creative journey.
In addition to The Backyardigans, she contributed to other successful series like Winx Club. She also co-developed Bubble Guppies.
“Janice, Maria Perez-Brown, and I developed shows together, gossiped together, and oh, how we laughed! I will miss my dear friend. RIP. Oh, how we laughed,” Hyman recalled.
Born in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill area, Burgess’s journey in the television industry was marked by a commitment to creating meaningful and entertaining content for young audiences.
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