Cheers Co-Creator James Burrows Passes Away at 85.
Throughout his remarkable career, James Burrows influenced and directed many of television's most iconic comedy shows. At the age of 85, the legendary television director—best recognized for his efforts on Cheers, Friends and Will & Grace—lost his life on June 19. His family confirmed to People that he passed away quietly in the company of his loved ones.
"For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” they told the news source in a press release. “As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world."
“Beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him,” the statement went on. “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."
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Comedy is "never simply about laughter," but rather about "humanity, connection, and truth," according to his family, who also pointed out how well the 11-time Emmy winner knew it. This proved to be the recipe for his success over the years.
Although his career was undoubtedly his love, his family revealed that “above all else, Burrows was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather” to his four daughters, seven grandchildren, and wife Debbie Easton.
The declaration came to an end, “He will be profoundly 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 a blessing."
Burrows began his career as a television director in the 1970s, working on classic programs like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and Laverne & Shirley. His father, Abe Burrows, penned the scripts for the musicals Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
However, his work with Glen Charles and Les Charles on the sitcom Taxi, for which he received two Emmys, paved the way for the three of them to create the iconic series Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993 and won 28 Emmys.
Along with directing every episode of Will & Grace, he also helmed great series like Frasier, Friends, and Mike & Molly. Mid-Century Modern, a 2025 Hulu series, was his most recent accomplishment.
