Janice Burgess, Creator of ‘The Backyardigans,’ Has Died

by Rafael Pena

March 5, 2024

Janice Burgess, the creator of “The Backyardigans,” died March 4.

Janie Burgess, the inventive thoughts behind Nickelodeon’s beloved animated collection, The Backyardigans, died March 4 on the age of 72, in keeping with Day by day Mail. The reason for loss of life was not instantly recognized.

Fellow animation author Fracaswell Hyman confirmed the information on social media.

Hyman shared a heartfelt tribute to Burgess, recounting their skilled collaboration and friendship.

“Janice created The Backyardigans and guided numerous different exhibits for Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Disney, and Apple TV. Her script/story critiques have been astute, clear, and constructive,” he wrote.

Recalling their encounter within the Nineties, when Burgess served as the manager in control of manufacturing for Gullah Gullah Island, Hyman mentioned “Janice swept in together with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves, and omnipresent cigarettes. As an alternative of an overseer, she grew to become a good friend.”

Burgess, a Brandeis College graduate with a level in artwork historical past, transitioned from working in craft companies for WQED T in Pittsburgh to holding key positions at Youngsters’s Tv Workshop. She joined Nickelodeon as an govt in control of manufacturing for Nick Jr. earlier than venturing into the inventive realm.

Her affect on youngsters’s tv was monumental. Burgess performed a pivotal position in overseeing hit exhibits like Blue’s Clues, Allegra’s Window, and Gullah Gullah Island earlier than embarking on her inventive journey.

Along with The Backyardigans, she contributed to different profitable collection like Winx Membership. She additionally co-developed Bubble Guppies.

“Janice, Maria Perez-Brown, and I developed exhibits collectively, gossiped collectively, and oh, how we laughed! I’ll miss my expensive good friend. RIP. Oh, how we laughed,” Hyman recalled.

Born in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill space, Burgess’s journey within the tv trade was marked by a dedication to creating significant and entertaining content material for younger audiences.

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