The world bids farewell to Janice Burgess, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Nickelodeon show, The Backyardigans. The New York Times reported that Burgess passed away in hospice care on March 3rd at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire audiences of all ages.
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Janice Burgess, a creative force with a notable impact on children’s television, found her inspiration in the simple joys of her own backyard in Pittsburgh. According to Nick Animation, Burgess’s childhood experiences of playing hide and seek, imagining sailing ships, and fending off imaginary lions with friends laid the foundation for the magical world of The Backyardigans.
The Backyardigans introduced audiences to a cast of vibrant characters, with the character of Uniqua holding a special place in Burgess’s heart. IMDB quotes Burgess saying, “Uniqua is me, or at least who I was as a kid. She’s a ringleader. Out of the five, Uniqua is the main character, and we use her in every story.”
The uniqueness of The Backyardigans lies not only in its captivating stories but also in its musical elements. When asked why The Backyardigans is a musical, “Why not?” Burgess responded. In the words of many adults who grew up on the show, “The Backyardigans had bops!” In 2021, songs from the show–“Castaways,” “Into the Thick of It,” and “International Super Spy” all became trending sounds on TikTok.
Burgess’s journey with Nickelodeon began in 1995 when she joined as executive-in-charge of production. Over almost two decades at Nick Animation, she became an invaluable fixture in children’s entertainment history. Her credits include being the creator of The Backyardigans (2001) and the story editor for Nickelodeon’s revival of Winx Club (2004). Beyond The Backyardigans, Burgess’s contributions to children’s programming extended to producing 10 episodes of Little Bill and writing 79 episodes of Bubble Guppies.
Drawing inspiration from action and adventure movies, Burgess infused The Backyardigans and Winx Club with an imaginative nature tailored for young children. According to IMDB, Burgess once shared, “I wanted to bring some of that fantastical nature to young children, but to do it in a way that is safe, hopefully not scary, and not ‘imitatable’ except in your head.”
As we celebrate the life and creativity of Janice Burgess, we honor her for shaping the imaginative worlds that have become cherished memories for generations. Her legacy lives on in the laughter, joy, and boundless creativity she brought to children around the world.
Cover photo: Remembering Janice Burgess, the Black Woman Who Created ‘The Backyardigans’ / Credit: Nick Animation