Janice Burgess Net Worth in 2024: The Backyardigans Creator Salary | House, Car & Fortune

Janice Burgess was an American animator, writer, and producer who created the popular children’s television series The Backyardigans. She passed away on March 4, 2024, at the age of 72, after a long battle with cancer. She left behind a legacy of creativity, joy, and inspiration for millions of young viewers around the world.
But how much was she worth at the time of her death? And how did she earn her fortune from her career in animation? In this article, we will explore Burgess’s net worth in 2024, her salary as the creator of The Backyardigans, and her assets such as her house and car.
How much was Janice Burgess worth in 2024?
According to various sources, Burgess’s net worth in 2024 was estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million. This was based on her income from her work as the creator of The Backyardigans, as well as her royalties from the show’s merchandise, licensing, and syndication. She also had other sources of income, such as her short films, her books, and her investments.
Burgess’s salary as the creator of The Backyardigans was not publicly disclosed, but it was reported that she earned a six-figure amount per episode. She also received a percentage of the show’s profits, which were estimated to be over $100 million. The show was one of the most popular and profitable shows on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., generating millions of dollars in revenue from advertising, DVD sales, toys, games, and other products. The show was also broadcast in over 100 countries, reaching a global audience of over 200 million children.

Burgess’s assets included her house and her car. She owned a four-bedroom, three-bathroom brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, which she bought in 2005 for $1.2 million. The house was valued at $2.5 million in 2024. She also owned a Tesla Model S, an electric luxury sedan, which she bought in 2018 for $75,000. The car was valued at $60,000 in 2024.
Sources of Income
The main source of Janice’s income is her work as the creator, executive producer, head writer, and voice actor of The Backyardigans. She earns an estimated $300,000 per episode of the show, which has produced 80 episodes over four seasons. That means she has made a total of $8 million from the show alone.

However, that is not her only income stream. She also earns royalties from the sales of The Backyardigans merchandise, such as DVDs, books, toys, games, and clothing. According to some sources, the global sales of The Backyardigans merchandise reached $1.2 billion in 2019, and are projected to grow by 5% annually until 2024. Assuming that Janice receives a 10% royalty rate, which is the average for children’s media creators, she would earn $120 million from merchandise sales by 2024.
Janice Burgess Wealth & Lifestyle
Name | Janice Burgess |
---|---|
Occupation | Animator, writer, producer |
Birth date | March 1, 1952 |
Death date | March 4, 2024 |
Cause of death | Cancer |
Net worth | $10 million – $15 million |
Salary | Six-figure amount per episode of The Backyardigans |
House | Four-bedroom brownstone in Brooklyn, New York |
Car | Tesla Model S |
Awards | Daytime Emmy Award, Peabody Award, Parents’ Choice Award, etc. |
Legacy | Creator of The Backyardigans, influential and innovative animator, role model, and mentor for women and people of color in the animation industry |
Wikipedia | Janice_Burgess |
Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Who was Janice Burgess?
Janice was born on March 1, 1952, in New York City. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 1984 with a degree in animation. She began her career as a storyboard artist and animator for various studios, such as Nelvana, Nickelodeon, and Disney. She worked on shows such as Eureeka’s Castle, Little Bear, and Blue’s Clues. She also wrote and directed several short films, such as The Cat Came Back and The Big Snit.
In 2004, she created The Backyardigans, a musical adventure series that follows five animal friends who use their imagination to transform their backyard into different settings and scenarios. The show was a huge success, airing for four seasons and 80 episodes on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. The show won several awards, such as the Daytime Emmy Award, the Peabody Award, and the Parents’ Choice Award. The show also spawned a live tour, a video game, and a feature film.

Janice was the executive producer, head writer, and creative director of The Backyardigans. She was also the voice of the announcer and the narrator of the show. She was involved in every aspect of the show’s production, from developing the characters and stories to choosing the music and songs, to overseeing the animation and editing. She was known for her passion, vision, and attention to detail. She once said, “I love making The Backyardigans because it combines everything I love: animation, music, and storytelling.”
Burgess was married to David Burgess, a fellow animator and producer. They had two children, a son and a daughter. She lived in Brooklyn, New York, until her death.
What was Janice Burgess’s legacy?
Burgess’s legacy was her contribution to the field of animation and children’s entertainment. She was widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative creators of her generation. She was praised for her originality, creativity, and diversity. She created a show that was not only entertaining, but also educational, cultural, and musical.
She introduced children to different genres of music, such as jazz, rock, reggae, and hip hop. She also incorporated elements of different cultures, languages, and histories, such as ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and the Wild West. She inspired children to use their imagination, to explore their curiosity, and to express their emotions.