James Burrows, Legendary Sitcom Director, Dies at 85
6 verified3 unconfirmed
James Burrows, the iconic television comedy director who shaped decades of American sitcoms, has died at age 85. Burrows was best known for co-creating "Cheers" and for directing numerous classic shows including "Taxi," "Friends," and "Will & Grace." Over his six-decade career, he directed more than 50 comedy pilots and won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards. Burrows’ influence spanned from the 1970s through the 2020s, with his final directing credit on the Hulu series "Mid-Century Modern." Tributes poured in from actors and networks who praised his mastery of multi-camera comedy and his ability to craft iconic television moments. His family described him as one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history.
What’s verified
James Burrows died at age 85.
He co-created the NBC sitcom "Cheers" and directed 237 episodes of the series.
He directed 75 episodes of "Taxi" and every episode of "Will & Grace."
Burrows won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for a record 22 Directors Guild Awards.
He directed episodes or pilots for numerous hit shows including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Friends," "Frasier," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Two and a Half Men."
His final directing credit was the Hulu series "Mid-Century Modern."
Not yet confirmed
The specific date of death is reported as Friday in one source and "this week" in another.
Survivors are named only in one source, which states he is survived by his wife Debbie Easton and four children.
No cause of death was reported.
Key figures
James Burrows (television director and co-creator of "Cheers")
Tony Danza (actor who worked with Burrows on "Taxi")
Josh Gad (actor who starred in Burrows-directed "Back to You")
Glen and Les Charles (co-creators of "Cheers" with Burrows)
Debbie Easton (Burrows' wife, named as survivor in one source)
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, indiewire.com
