James Burrows, TV Legend Of Friends, Cheers, And Will & Grace Fame, Dead At 85

James Burrows, the most brilliant and influential television director of the last 52 years, has died at the age of 85. Per a statement from his family, he "passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family." The statement continues, "For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world."

We don't often talk about sitcom directors as auteurs (like we do with filmmakers), but when you're the driving multi-camera force behind all-timers like "Cheers," "The Bob Newhart Show," "Taxi," "Will & Grace," and "Friends," we should unquestionably make an exception. According to the prominent television critic Alan Sepinwall, Burrows directed over 50 pilots. "He was THE guy to get if you were doing multi-cam," wrote Sepinwall on Bluesky. Even as a young TV viewer, I just knew that when I saw Burrows' name in the credits, laughs were on the way. Later on, I began to appreciate his unerring sense for comedic timing. Was he fortunate to work with murderer's row ensembles? Absolutely. But he had a say in bringing them together and a knack for capitalizing on their strengths and bringing us joy. The world would be a laughter desert without Burrows plying his mirthful trade, and the industry, particularly his successors and proteges, are forever in his debt.

James Burrows was born in 1940 to Abe and Ruth Burrows. His father wrote the book for two classic Broadway musicals, "Guys and Dolls" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," both of which brimmed with the kind of rapid-fire wit that would define Burrows' best work.

Burrows earned a graduate degree from the Yale School of Drama, which is as rough an academic proving ground as you're likely to find in higher education. After years of directing touring shows and dinner theater, Burrows approached Mary Tyler Moore and Grant Tinker about directing episodes for their company. They hired him. He apprenticed under Jay Sandrich, and proved a quick study. He directed 11 episodes of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which, given his experience, was like climbing Mount Everest. He proved he belonged, and the very best was yet to come.

Burrows will forever be most closely associated with "Cheers," the bar-bound series he co-created with Glen and Les Charles. He directed 237 of the series' 275 episodes. There aren't bad "Cheers" episodes. There are just ones that are merely good. Perhaps they could've been worse, but Burrows wouldn't let that happen. He knew that set and understood how to wring laughs from all involved.

"Taxi," however, was the best. Working in tandem with James L. Brooks, Burrows elicited proud and wounded portrayals from a cast that included Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Andy Kaufman, and Christopher Lloyd. The episode where Lloyd's Reverend Jim professes his unrequited love for Elaine breaks me down every time. Burrows gives it the space to land, more space than you generally get in a sitcom. It will always shatter me, and only Burrows, a man who knew the sweet is not so sweet without the bitter, could've pulled that off.