Janice Burgess, a former Nickelodeon executive and creator of “The Backyardigans,” passed away at the age of 72. In a statement on Tuesday, representatives for Nickelodeon informed USA TODAY of Burgess’ passing.
Janice Burgess cause of death
According to the New York Times, her death from breast cancer was verified by her former coworker Brown Johnson at Nickelodeon.
Janice Burgess obituary information
Janice Burgess is a native of Pittsburgh. She first ventured into the television industry in 1973, shortly after earning a degree in art history from Brandeis University.
Her career progression began with craft services positions at Pittsburgh’s WQED station, and she went on to work as a project manager for Ghostwriter and an assistant travel coordinator for 3-2-1 Contact at the Children’s Television Workshop—now known as Sesame Workshop.
Burgess began working at Nick Jr. in 1995. There, she managed the production of cute preschool shows like Blues Clues and Little Bill—for which she received an Emmy—and even developed a program based on her own early recollections.
