The entertainment world mourns the loss of a legendary television director. Tom Cherones, the man who directed the majority of the early, iconic episodes of the global phenomenon 'Seinfeld', has passed away. He was 86 years old.
A Peaceful Passing at Home
Cherones died at his residence in Florence, Oregon, on January 5, 2026. According to a confirmation from a family spokesperson to The Hollywood Reporter, the director had been battling Alzheimer's disease for a considerable period. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic American sitcoms.
From Journalism to Directing Comedy Gold
Born on September 11, 1939, in Alabama, Tom Cherones' path to Hollywood was unconventional. He first earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of New Mexico, followed by a master's in telecommunications from the University of Alabama. After serving a four-year stint in the U.S. Navy, he transitioned to civilian life and found his calling behind the camera.
His entertainment career began in 1975 as a production manager for 'General Hospital'. His first major television break came in 1980 with the show 'My Sister Sam'. However, it was his work on a show about "nothing" that cemented his place in TV history.
The Seinfeld Legacy: Directing 81 Episodes
Tom Cherones' most celebrated contribution is undeniably his work on 'Seinfeld'. He served as the director for an astounding 81 out of the first 86 episodes, covering the show's first five formative seasons. The visual style and comic timing he established during those seasons became the show's signature. Many of the episodes he directed, such as "The Chinese Restaurant" and "The Contest," are considered timeless classics.
In a fun meta-moment, Cherones even stepped in front of the camera once. In the Season 4 episode "The Pilot," he played a fictional director, delivering the memorable line about George Costanza: "Gonna rip that little guy a new one."
His extensive directorial portfolio also includes popular shows like:
- Growing Pains
- Desperate Housewives
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch
- Boston Common
- Men Behaving Badly
Tom Cherones is survived by his children, Susan and Scott, and his third wife, Carol E. Richards. His work continues to generate laughs and inspire new generations of comedy writers and directors, ensuring that his legacy in the annals of television history remains secure and celebrated.
