Jennifer Aniston has shared a heartbreaking tribute following the death of James Burrows, the legendary director and co-creator of Cheers who also worked on Friends, Frasier, and many other iconic sitcoms. Burrows passed away last week at the age of 85.
Aniston's Emotional Instagram Post
The 57-year-old actress took to Instagram this weekend to express her grief, describing Burrows as a "father figure" who profoundly impacted her life. In a lengthy post accompanied by throwback photos from the 1990s sitcom, she wrote: "Oh boy… Papa Burrows. The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs."
Aniston recalled how Burrows affectionately referred to the cast as his "kids": "He called us his 'kids' - 'Where are the kids?''Let’s see if the kids can make the joke work.' No pressure. His own incredible children were generous enough to share him with all of us who were lucky enough to experience his unicorn presence."
She added: "He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me. He worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten. Most of all, he taught us—the kids—how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that."
Signing off, Aniston wrote: "I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance. Wherever you are, I hope someone is asking, 'Where are the kids?'"
A Legacy of Sitcom Excellence
James Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes of television during his five-decade career, leaving an indelible mark on the sitcom genre. He was instrumental in creating and directing classic shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and The Big Bang Theory. He also introduced a fourth camera to the traditional three-camera setup, revolutionizing how sitcoms were filmed.
In 2015, Burrows celebrated his 1,000th sitcom episode, a milestone that underscored his immense contribution to television comedy.
Family Statement
Burrows' family confirmed his death in a statement to People magazine. They said: "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."
The statement continued: "As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world. 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."
The family added: "But beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him. 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."
Burrows, an 11-time Emmy Award winner, is survived by his children and grandchildren.
