Tom Cherones, the director

Tom Cherones, whose steady hand guided the sitcom through its formative half-decade, passed away at his home in Oregon. Known for directing the majority of the series' first episodes, his crisp timing and subtle visual cues helped turn ordinary conversations into comedic gold. Friends recall his quiet dedication on set, the way he would let jokes breathe before cutting, and his habit of checking in on the writers with a calm, steady presence. In his later years, he faced the slow erosion of memory caused by Alzheimer's, a contrast to the sharp wit he once cultivated. His family announced his passing, noting the loss of a man whose behind-the-scenes influence still echoes in the laughter of countless fans.