James Burrows, legendary director of ‘Cheers’ and ‘Friends,’ dies at 85

Beloved Hollywood director James Burrows passed away on Friday at the age of 85.

Burrows’ family confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to People magazine and The Associated Press. reportedHe said they were celebrating the “extraordinary life and enduring legacy” of the director, who “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.”

“For more than fifty years, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” the statement said. “A legendary director, mentor and creative force, he helped shape comedy for generations and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.”

The statement then highlighted his “unparalleled career” as he “directed more than 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 Sitcoms,” Burrows got his big break in the industry by directing episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which led to him being one of the lead directors on “Taxi,” which earned him his first two Emmy Awards.

He later co-produced the hit comedy series “Cheers” and directed all but 35 of the show’s 275 episodes. His work on the show earned him six Emmy Awards throughout the show’s run.

“But beyond his extraordinary accomplishments, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity and unwavering belief in the people around him,” the statement continued. “He had the rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at all levels feel seen, valued and appreciated.”

Burrows also directed the pilot and major episodes of “Friends,” as well as every episode of “Will & Grace,” and as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after sitcom directors, he has worked on “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Band Theory,” “Two Broke Girls,” “Frasier” and more.

Burrows found major success when he co-produced the hit sitcom “Cheers.” (NBCU Photo Bank)

“Burrows understood that great comedy is never just about laughs. It’s about humanity, connection, and truth. This understanding became the foundation of a career that changed television forever,” his family wrote in a statement to People. “His impact 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, Burrows was a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” the statement concluded. “He is survived by his beloved wife Debbie, four daughters and seven grandchildren. He will be greatly 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 blessed.”

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During his career, Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild Awards and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.

Many actors who worked with him throughout their careers, including Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing, paid tribute to Burrows on social media upon learning of his death.

Burrows has won many awards, including 11 Emmy Awards and five DGA Awards, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006. (Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences)

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Messing shared a series of photos from their time together on “Will & Grace.” instagramand called her in the caption, “An unparalleled talent and revolutionary in television.”

He wrote in part: “I cannot express the pain of losing her, and I know that goes for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by her.” “Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and I’ve been around ever since. He had a dry sense of humor, but when he put on the funny moments he burst out laughing. I wanted him to laugh the most.”

Aniston, whose “Friends” movie he directed, referred to him as “Papa Burrows” on her Instagram account, adding: “The hardest part about writing this is that you’ve spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it’s impossible to fit all that love into a few paragraphs.”

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Messing and Aniston paid tribute to Burrows on their Instagrams. (Vince Bucci/Getty Images for PCA; Chris Haston/NBC)

“He was a father figure to me. He always checked up on me,” she wrote in part. “She worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and was there for me through the toughest and best times. She spoiled us so much. Most importantly, she taught us, the kids, how important it is to love and respect each other. To take care of each other. To stand behind each other and support each other no matter what. And that’s exactly what we did.”

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Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie, his four daughters, Katherine, Margaret and Ellie, whom he shares with his first wife, Linda Solomon, whom he married in 1997, and Debbie’s daughter, Paris, from a previous relationship. He leaves behind seven grandchildren.