James Burrows, television comedy icon behind F.R.I.E.N.D.S, passes away at 85, Hollywood pays tribute

James Burrows, the celebrated television director known for his work on some of the most successful sitcoms in television history, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed the news of his demise, saying that Burrows passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family. However, the cause of death has not been cleared yet. He was survived with his wife, Debbie Easton, his four daughters and his seven grandchildren.

Over a career that spanned more than five decades, Burrows became one of the most respected names in television comedy. He was closely associated with several acclaimed sitcoms, including F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Cheers, Taxi, Will & Grace, Frasier, The Bob Newhart Show and Mike & Molly.

Burrows earned widespread recognition for his contributions to television, winning 11 Emmy Awards during his career. His first Emmy victories came in back-to-back years when he received the Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series award in 1980 and 1981 for his work on Taxi.

In addition to his Emmy success, Burrows received five Directors Guild of America Awards. His influence on the television industry was further recognised in 2015 when the Directors Guild of America presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Burrows began his television directing career in 1974 with The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He later directed more than 50 television pilots and helped launch numerous successful comedy series that went on to become audience favourites. He also co-created Cheers, a sitcom widely regarded as one of the most influential comedy series in television history.

Known for his expertise in directing ensemble casts and his distinctive comedic timing, Burrows directed more than 1,000 television episodes during his career, leaving a lasting impact on the American sitcom genre. His work helped define generations of television comedy and made him one of the industry’s most influential directors.

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“We lost a giant today, a mentor to me, and a dear friend. The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for 50 years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy,” actor Eric McCormack, who worked with Burrows in the NBC sitcom Will and Grace, in a post on Instagram wrote.