Janice Burgess Cause of Death
Janice Burgess, the creative force behind the beloved Nick Jr. series The Backyardigans, has passed away at the age of 72. Her death has left fans and colleagues alike mourning the loss of a visionary storyteller and pioneer in children’s television.
Janice Burgess died of breast cancer while under hospice care on a Saturday, as confirmed by Brown Johnson, a close friend, to The New York Times. The news of her passing was also verified by another friend, Fracaswell Hyman, who shared his memories of Burgess on Instagram.
What Happened to Janice Burgess?
Burgess’s battle with breast cancer ultimately led to her passing. Despite her illness, she continued to inspire and create until the very end, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
In a statement released by Nickelodeon, Burgess was hailed as “one of the greats” and remembered for her creativity, kindness, and dedication to the preschool audience. Her contributions to children’s programming, particularly with The Backyardigans, have left an indelible mark on the industry.
How Did Janice Burgess Die?
The Backyardigans, which ran for four seasons from 2004 to 2013, captured the hearts of children worldwide with its imaginative storytelling and vibrant characters. The series received critical acclaim, winning the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Special Class animated program in 2008.
Before creating The Backyardigans, Burgess served as an executive in Nickelodeon’s preschool division. In a 2006 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, she shared her inspiration for the series, citing influences from action-packed films like Die Hard and Star Wars.
“I’m quite a refined person, but there’s nothing I like more than cops and robbers and gun fights and crazy driving and fast and furiousness,” Burgess explained. “When you think in terms of little kids, you don’t want to scare them, and I’m not in favor of showing any kind of violence or aggression, but you can certainly have a big adventure even if you’re 3. I thought it would be fun to take kids on that big adventure.”
Remembering Janice Burgess’s Legacy
Burgess’s creativity and dedication to crafting meaningful experiences for young viewers resonated deeply with fans of The Backyardigans. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans shared their fond memories of the show and expressed their gratitude for Burgess’s impact on their childhood.
“Backyardigans meant a lot to me and many others, sad to hear the creator Janice Burgess has passed away, thank you for being a wonderful part of many people’s childhood,” one user wrote.
“I can’t believe how someone of such importance to me as Janice Burgess has passed on. An important symbol of my childhood. She will be missed forever,” expressed another user on X.
Janice Burgess’s legacy lives on through the timeless adventures of The Backyardigans and the countless lives she touched with her creativity and imagination. As we bid farewell to a true visionary, we honor her contributions to children’s entertainment and cherish the memories she created for generations to come.
