James Burrows, the iconic television director behind some of the most beloved sitcoms in history, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed the news in a statement shared with People magazine, saying he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Stars Pay Tribute to a Legend
Friends star Lisa Kudrow, who worked closely with Burrows on both Friends and the HBO series The Comeback, shared a photo on Instagram Stories of the two on set. David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller on Friends, posted a heartfelt tribute, calling Burrows a father figure. 'Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected,' Schwimmer wrote. 'He became another father figure for me, and I’m sure others.'
Matt LeBlanc, who portrayed Joey Tribbiani, also honored Burrows, saying, 'Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels.'
Will & Grace Stars Remember Burrows
Debra Messing, star of Will & Grace, expressed her grief in an Instagram post: '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. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since.' Her co-star Eric McCormack added, 'We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will&Grace… and pretty much everything else.'
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Burrows began his television career in the mid-1970s, directing episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show. He went on to co-create Cheers with Glen and Les Charles and directed episodes of its spin-off, Frasier, as well as Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Over his career, he won 11 Emmy Awards, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential directors in television history.
In addition to his directing work, Burrows appeared as a fictionalized version of himself on The Comeback, earning praise for his acting. He told IndieWire earlier this year, 'I was just playing myself. I had no aspirations to be an actor, nor do I consider myself an actor.'
Family Statement
The family's statement read: 'We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James 'Jimmy' Burrows, 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.'
