James Burrows: A Comedy Legacy
James Burrows, renowned for his influence on television comedy, passed away at 85. Over five decades, he directed shows like “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” shaping the landscape of sitcoms.
Burrows’ career began in the 1970s with “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” He joined MTM Enterprises, known for its quality productions. In a 1995 interview, Burrows highlighted the importance of directing actors over camera movements, stating, “You can’t really learn how to make something funny, but you can learn to move the cameras.”
Raised in Los Angeles and New York, Burrows attended the High School of Music & Art, Oberlin College, and Yale School of Drama. He worked with his father, Abe Burrows, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, helping him refine his comedic instincts.
“Cheers” marked a significant phase in Burrows’ career. He co-created the show and directed 237 episodes, focusing on witty dialogue rather than goofy antics. He emphasized, “The word is more important than the goofiness.”
His upbringing in radio comedies helped hone his comedic timing. Burrows mentioned in a 2010 interview, “I know what’s funny, and I probably know the best way to deliver the joke.”
Burrows was known for nurturing camaraderie among cast members, seen in shows like “Friends” and “Will & Grace.” He worked closely with actors to bridge gaps and create on-screen chemistry, often saying, “Trust me,” urging actors to explore comedic boundaries.
While Burrows had many successes, he also faced challenges with shows like “Cafe Americain” and “The Associates.” Despite this, he continued directing groundbreaking shows such as “Will & Grace” which he called the funniest work of his career.
He earned his 11th Emmy for the live special of “All in the Family” and “Good Times.” Burrows had a knack for directing pilots, seeing more potential in creating than being an episodic director.
His favorite TV moments include iconic scenes from “Frasier,” “Cheers,” and “Friends.” He preferred directing in a multi-camera format with a live audience, claiming, “I’m not a cinematic guy. I’m a theater guy.”
Honored in 2013 and celebrating his 1,000th episode in 2016, Burrows left an indelible mark on television history. Although his tribute, “Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute,” received mixed reviews, his legacy remains intact. Throughout his career, Burrows received 48 Emmy nominations and 23 Directors Guild of America Awards.
James Burrows is survived by his wife Debbie Easton, his daughters, and grandchildren. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of television directors and showrunners.