James Burrows, the legendary director behind some of television’s most iconic sitcoms, died June 19 at the age of 85.
Throughout his extraordinary career, Burrows received 46 Emmy nominations and won 11, cementing his status as one of the industry’s most celebrated directors. In recognition of his enduring impact on the small screen, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.
His family confirmed his death in a statement to People.
“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,” they wrote.
“Over the course of his unparalleled career, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic series ever produced, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and The Big Bang Theory, among many others.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: DGA Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials Award winner for ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ James Burrows poses in the press room during the 72nd Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards at The Ritz Carlton on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Burrows’ family took a moment to honor the man he was away from the spotlight by saying he “will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him.”
They described him by saying that “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.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 09: Actress Jennifer Aniston (L) and director James Burrows pose in the audience during the 33rd Annual People’s Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 9, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for PCA)
His family continued, “Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter. It was about humanity, connection, and truth,” according to People.
“That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television,” they wrote.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 02: Actors Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, Sean Hayes and director James Burrows at the “Will & Grace” Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held on August 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Burrows began his career directing episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “The Bob Newhart Show,” and quickly became a true master of the multi-camera sitcoms.
He went on to direct “Phyllis,” “Rhoda,” and “Laverne & Shirley,” as well as a total of 70 episodes of “Taxi,” before co-creating “Cheers.” Burrows directed 275 episodes of “Cheers,” leaving just 35 untouched by his unmistakable talent. His work on the beloved sitcom earned him six Emmy Awards and helped cement the series as a pop culture phenomenon.
Burrows’ passion for television never waned. He later directed episodes of “The Hogan Family” and “Night Court,” as well as the pilot episode of “Frasier,” ultimately going on to direct 32 episodes of the acclaimed series.
He didn’t stop there. Burrows went on to direct the pilot of “Friends,” and other Season 1 “Friends” episodes, leaving his mark on yet another pop culture phenomenon.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: James Burrows (L) and David Schwimmer attend a conversation at The 92nd Street Y, New York on June 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)
With a keen eye for television greatness, he directed every episode of “Will & Grace” during the show’s run from 1998-2006, as well as the pilot episodes of “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Big Bang Theory” as well as several episodes of “Mike & Molly.”
He was honored with the inaugural Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award for television in 2014. (RELATED: Influential Hip Hop Producer Tay Keith Found Dead In His Home At Age 29)
“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,” his family wrote in their statement.
Burrows’ cause of death was not disclosed.