James Burrows, Legendary Sitcom Director, Dies at 85; Stars Pay Tribute
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James Burrows, the legendary television director credited with shaping the multi-camera sitcom, died on Friday at the age of 85. Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and co-created the landmark series "Cheers." He directed the pilot and multiple episodes of “Friends,” and helmed every episode of “Will & Grace” from its 1998 debut through its revival. Following his death, Jennifer Aniston posted a tribute on Instagram describing Burrows as a “father figure.” Burrows’ career spanned five decades and included work on dozens of popular shows such as “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Two and a Half Men.”
What’s verified
James Burrows died at age 85 on Friday, June 19, 2026.
He co-created the sitcom “Cheers” with Glen and Les Charles.
He directed more than 1,000 episodes of television.
He directed every episode of “Will & Grace” from 1998 to 2020.
He directed the pilot episode of “Friends.”
He directed 75 episodes of “Taxi.”
Jennifer Aniston posted a tribute calling Burrows a “father figure.”
Where accounts differ
Reports differ on the exact number of “Cheers” episodes directed by Burrows, with one source stating 236 and another stating 237. No other direct contradictions were identified across the sources.
Not yet confirmed
The specific cause of death was described only by one source as “in his sleep after a brief illness.”
Burrows is survived by his wife Debbie Easton and four children, a detail mentioned in a single report.
Tributes from other “Friends” cast members David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc appeared in only one account.
The exact number of “Friends” episodes Burrows directed was stated as 15 by one source.
Burrows’ educational background at the Yale School of Drama and his father Abe Burrows were noted in a single report.
A former NBC executive credited Burrows as essential to the network’s “Must See TV” era, but that tribute appeared exclusively in one source.
It is not known whether any public memorial services are planned.
Key figures
James Burrows (director), Jennifer Aniston (actress), Glen and Les Charles (co-creators of “Cheers”), Warren Littlefield (former NBC executive), David Schwimmer (actor), Lisa Kudrow (actress), Matt LeBlanc (actor), Debbie Easton (wife), Abe Burrows (father), Marta Kauffman (co-creator of “Friends”), Ted Danson (actor), Kelsey Grammer (actor).
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, deadline.com, indiewire.com
