‘Friends’ cast and more mourns director James Burrows after TV legend dies at 85

The Emmy winning sitcom director shaped more than 1,000 television episodes across five decades

Hollywood is paying tribute to legendary television director James Burrows following his death at the age of 85.

Burrows, who co created Cheers and became one of the most influential figures in television comedy, died after a brief illness, according to reports confirmed by his family on June 19. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he directed more than 1,000 television episodes and won 11 Emmy Awards.

Among those mourning his loss are members of the Friends cast, who credited Burrows with helping shape both their careers and the success of the beloved sitcom.

Matt LeBlanc paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you.”

He added, “You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”

 

 

 

 

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David Schwimmer described Burrows as “another father figure” and praised his ability to bring out the best in performers.

“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 continued, “Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend.”

 

 

 

 

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Lisa Kudrow shared a behind the scenes photograph with Burrows from The Comeback and simply wrote, “Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything...”

Burrows directed 15 episodes of Friends, including the acclaimed “The One with the Blackout”, which earned him an Emmy nomination. He also played himself in The Comeback, another project involving Kudrow.

Tributes poured in from across the television industry. Cheers star Ted Danson called Burrows his “show business father”, saying the director taught him what was funny and what was not during their 11 years together on the sitcom.

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, who worked with him on both Taxi and Cheers, described him as “the very best at his craft”.

Former Will & Grace stars Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing also shared emotional messages, highlighting Burrows’ enormous influence on their careers and the television industry as a whole.

 

 

 

 

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NBC called him “the man behind the curtain” who knew exactly how to make audiences laugh, while Disney described him as “one of one” and a true television legend.

Burrows’ directing credits stretched across some of television’s biggest hits, including Taxi, Cheers, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Will & Grace, 2 Broke Girls and The Comeback.

His remarkable body of work helped define the modern sitcom, leaving behind a legacy that generations of actors, writers and viewers will continue to celebrate.