David Sackeroff, an Emmy-nominated production designer and art director best known for his work on "Seinfeld", "Alf" and "Home Improvement", has died at the age of 81. He passed away on 10 July on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Sackeroff played a formative role in early American sitcom television, helping shape the visual identity of shows that became long-running cultural staples.

Born on 8 November 1944, Sackeroff began his career in live theatre, designing stages for the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Off-Broadway before moving into television. He served as production designer on "Seinfeld"'s pilot and first season between 1989 and 1990, and was art director for 25 episodes of "Alf". In 1991 he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his work on "Carol & Company", and over his career amassed credits on more than 300 episodes across shows including "Home Improvement", "Mr. Belvedere" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". He is survived by his sister, Dr Mae Sakharov.