Television Legend James Burrows Dies at 85

James Burrows, the acclaimed director behind numerous iconic TV comedies, passed away on Friday at 85. Known for his work on “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends,” and “Will and Grace,” Burrows made significant contributions to television comedy. His family announced his peaceful passing, surrounded by family, in a statement to People.

Career Highlights

Burrows entered television at the age of 35, beginning with “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Laverne & Shirley.” He co-created “Cheers,” directing most of its episodes, and directed all episodes of “Will and Grace.” He also contributed to “Frasier,” “Friends,” and directed pilots for “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

“When I direct a television show, I try to reach that sweet spot where the best script meets the best performance,” Burrows explained in his memoir.

Burrows’ work resonated with audiences, and he was known for his kind and generous nature, as his family noted his ability to make everyone feel appreciated.

Impact on Television

Most of his shows aired on NBC, contributing to the network’s “Must See TV” era. NBC praised his unmatched skill in comedy direction, noting his work’s lasting influence.

James Edward Burrows was born in Los Angeles in 1940, moving to New York at age five. He sang in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and attended LaGuardia High School. His father, Abe Burrows, was a successful writer, director, and producer, exposing James to the industry from an early age.

Early Life and Education

Burrows gained his bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College and attended Yale School of Drama. His classmates included Robert Klein, John Guare, and John Badham. He discovered his passion for directing at Yale, propelling his career in television direction.

Initially working in the theater, he later transitioned to television, writing a letter to Mary Tyler Moore, which led to directing opportunities at MTM Enterprises.

Television Achievements

With his theater background, Burrows was known for enhancing television comedy and was a pioneer in using four-camera setups for sitcoms. His shows often explored friendships and chosen families, including the bar regulars in “Cheers” and the friends in “Friends.”

Burrows enjoyed discovering new talent and was involved in over 1,000 shows, often finding them available to viewers any night.

Personal Life

In 1997, Burrows married Debbie Easton, whom he met on “Frasier.” He had three daughters from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, who passed away in 2004, and a stepdaughter from Easton’s previous marriage. He leaves behind a sister and seven grandchildren.