Janice Burgess, Backyardigans Creator, Dead At 72

Janice Burgess, the creator of the beloved Nickelodeon children’s show “The Backyardigans,” passed away this week of breast cancer at the age of 72.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, ‘The Backyardigans,’” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “Janice was one of the greats–inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere.”

https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/janice-burgess-dead-the-backyardigans-1235930886/

Burgess began her career working as an art historian but continued to follow her passion, which eventually led her to a job at her local PBS station. Continuing to work upwards, Burgess eventually was hired by the Children’s Television Workshop, which has since been renamed the Sesame Workshop. While working for the workshop, Janice worked on shows such as “3-2-1 Contact” and “Ghostwriter.”

Following her success at the “Children’s Television Workshop,” Burgess was hired to work on the production team for Nickelodeon, where she worked on hit children’s shows such as “Blues Clues” and “Little Bill.”

While working at Nickelodeon, Burgess began developing her own idea for a children’s show. The concept was a live-action, puppet-based musical show titled “Me and My Friends.”

Although “Me and My Friends” ultimately did not succeed, Burgess was able to revamp the show’s concept into the beloved children’s show “The Backyardigans” in 2004.

In its four seasons, “The Backyardigans” achieved monumental success, garnering eight Daytime Emmy Award nominations. Janice also won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 2008.

Fracaswell Hyman, who worked with Burgess on “Gullah Gullah Island” in 1994 released a statement following her passing.

“Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend. She recognized my magic before I did and made sure I was in the room and under consideration for many of the shows that came my way including ‘Little Bill’ and ‘Taina.’”

https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/janice-burgess-dead-the-backyardigans-1235930886/

Rest in peace!

READ MORE: ‘Blackberry Smoke’ Drummer Brit Turner Dead At 57