James Burrows, legendary Hollywood director behind 'Cheers,' 'Friends' and 'Will & Grace,' dies at 85
Beloved Hollywood director, James Burrows, died on Friday at the age of 85.
Burrows' family confirmed the actor's death in a statement to People magazine, The Associated Press reported, saying they are celebrating "the extraordinary life and enduring legacy," of the director, who "passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family."
"For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history," the statement read. "As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world."
The statement then highlighted his "unparalleled career," as he directed over "1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic series ever produced."
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Often referred to as the "king of the multi-cam sitcom," Burrows had his big break in the industry when he directed episodes of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which led to him becoming one of the principal directors of "Taxi," which earned him his first two Emmy Awards.
He then went on to co-create the hit sitcom, "Cheers," and directed all but 35 of the 275 episodes of the show. His work on the show earned him six Emmy Awards throughout its run.
"But beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him," the statement continued. "He possessed a rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at every level feel seen, valued, and appreciated."
Burrows also directed the pilot and key episodes of "Friends," as well as every episode of "Will & Grace," and as one of Hollywood's most sought-after sitcom directors worked on "Two and a Half Men," "The Big Band Theory," "Two Broke Girls," "Frasier" and many others.
"Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter. It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television," his family wrote in their statement to People. "His influence will continue to be felt for generations through the countless artists he inspired, the stories he helped tell, and the millions of people whose lives were brightened by his work."
"Above all else, Burrows was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather," the statement concluded. "He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, his four daughters, and his seven grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. Our thoughts are with Debbie, his children and grandchildren, his family, friends, collaborators, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing."
Throughout his career, Burrows earned 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors' Guild Awards, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.
Upon learning of his death, many actors who worked with him throughout their careers, including Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing, paid tribute to Burrows on social media.
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Messing shared a series of photos from their time together on "Will & Grace" on Instagram, and in the caption called him "A singular talent and revolutionary in television."
"I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him," she wrote in part. "Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all."
Aniston, who he directed on "Friends," referred to him as "Papa Burrows" in her Instagram tribute, adding, "The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs."
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"He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me," she wrote in part. "He worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten. Most of all, he taught us—the kids—how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that."
Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie, who he married in 1997, and his four daughters, Katherine, Margaret and Ellie, who he shared with his first wife, Linda Solomon, and Paris, who is Debbie's daughter from a previous relationship. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren.