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James Burrows, the legendary television director behind some of America's most-loved sitcoms, died on Friday. He was 85.
Burrows, who is best known for co-creating Cheers and directing episodes of hit shows such as Friends, Big Bang Theory, and Will and Grace, leaves behind a remarkable legacy that shaped television comedy for more than five decades.
In a statement, Burrows' family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They described him as one of the most influential figures in television, whose work brought joy to audiences across generations.
"For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world," said the Burrows family, as per CBS News.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows was raised largely in New York, where he spent most of his early years. He later studied at the Yale School of Drama, where he began developing his skills as a director. After working behind the scenes in television, he went on to co-create Cheers with Glen and Les Charles. The sitcom became one of the hit comedy series of the 1980s.
Throughout a career spanning more than 50 years, Burrows directed over 1,000 TV comedy classics. He won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards. He was also nominated for dozens of Primetime Emmy Awards during his career.
The Directors Guild of America honoured Burrows with a lifetime achievement award in 2015. In a statement, DGA President Christopher Nolan said, "Jim was an incredibly generous colleague, sharing his wisdom and warm humour with his fellow Guild members and all he worked with."
He directed every episode of Will & Grace, more than 230 episodes of Cheers, and several episodes of Friends.
Following news of his death, actors and colleagues paid tribute to the director's lasting influence on the entertainment industry. Actor Eric McCormack, best known for playing Will in Will & Grace , paid tribute to Burrows on social media and praised the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
"The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for 50 years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint," he shared.
Members of the Friends cast also shared emotional messages.Matt LeBlanc posted photographs with Burrows and wrote, "Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you."
Meanwhile, David Schwimmer described Burrows as both a mentor and a father figure. "Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I'm sure we weren't the only cast to feel that way," he said.
Burrows, who is best known for co-creating Cheers and directing episodes of hit shows such as Friends, Big Bang Theory, and Will and Grace, leaves behind a remarkable legacy that shaped television comedy for more than five decades.
In a statement, Burrows' family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They described him as one of the most influential figures in television, whose work brought joy to audiences across generations.
"For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world," said the Burrows family, as per CBS News.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows was raised largely in New York, where he spent most of his early years. He later studied at the Yale School of Drama, where he began developing his skills as a director. After working behind the scenes in television, he went on to co-create Cheers with Glen and Les Charles. The sitcom became one of the hit comedy series of the 1980s.
Throughout a career spanning more than 50 years, Burrows directed over 1,000 TV comedy classics. He won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards. He was also nominated for dozens of Primetime Emmy Awards during his career.
The Directors Guild of America honoured Burrows with a lifetime achievement award in 2015. In a statement, DGA President Christopher Nolan said, "Jim was an incredibly generous colleague, sharing his wisdom and warm humour with his fellow Guild members and all he worked with."
He directed every episode of Will & Grace, more than 230 episodes of Cheers, and several episodes of Friends.
Following news of his death, actors and colleagues paid tribute to the director's lasting influence on the entertainment industry. Actor Eric McCormack, best known for playing Will in Will & Grace , paid tribute to Burrows on social media and praised the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
"The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for 50 years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint," he shared.
Members of the Friends cast also shared emotional messages.Matt LeBlanc posted photographs with Burrows and wrote, "Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you."
Meanwhile, David Schwimmer described Burrows as both a mentor and a father figure. "Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I'm sure we weren't the only cast to feel that way," he said.
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