James Burrows, Legendary Director of “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” Dies at 85
James Burrows, the prolific television director behind more than a thousand episodes of some of the most beloved sitcoms in American history—including “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace”—died on Friday at the age of 85.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement to People, noting that he “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family.” No specific place or cause of death was disclosed.
A Career Defined by Laughter and Connection
Though rarely recognized by name outside the industry, Burrows shaped the landscape of television comedy for decades. He began his directing career relatively late, at age 35 in 1974, with episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Laverne & Shirley.”
He went on to co-create “Cheers” and directed 243 of its 273 episodes, as well as all 246 episodes of “Will & Grace.” His influence extended to other iconic series: he directed multiple episodes of “Frasier,” “Friends,” and “Mike & Molly,” and helmed the pilots for both “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
In his 2022 memoir, *Directed by James Burrows*, he reflected on his craft: “When I direct a television show, I try to reach the sweet spot where the best script meets the best performances and the best chemistry between the actors. Hitting the exact moment when these factors come together results in the sweetest, most lasting laughter.”
Roots in Theater and Family Legacy
Born James Edward Burrows on December 30, 1940, in Los Angeles, he moved to New York at age five. He spent five years in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus before his voice changed, then attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art.
His father was Abe Burrows, a celebrated Broadway writer, director, and producer known for hits like “Guys and Dolls” and “Can-Can.” The elder Burrows also mentored Larry Gelbart, future creator of “M*A*S*H.” Young James grew up immersed in theater and studio life, dining at famed New York restaurants like Sardi’s and Gallagher’s and mingling at his father’s star-studded New Year’s Eve gatherings.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, Burrows studied at the Yale School of Drama, where classmates included actor-comedian Robert Klein, playwright John Guare, and film director John Badham. It was at Yale that he discovered his passion for directing—a turning point that would define his life’s work.
From Stage Management to Sitcom Innovation
Burrows’ first foray into television came as dialogue coach for Burl Ives on “OK Crackerby!”—a show directed by his father that aired for one season on ABC in 1965. He later served as an assistant on “The Patty Duke Show” and worked for Broadway producers Lee Guber, Frank Ford, and Shelly Gross. While stage-managing road productions, he met actors such as Hugh O’Brien, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Julie Harris.
In 1974, after stints in dinner theater and summer camp, Burrows watched Mary Tyler Moore’s show and wrote her a letter asking for any available position at her production company. Her husband and business partner, Grant Tinker, invited him to Los Angeles to direct an episode. There, he trained at MTM Enterprises, where four sitcoms aired simultaneously.
Burrows credited his theater background with teaching him how to direct actors and manage scene transitions. He is widely recognized as one of the first sitcom directors to expand multi-camera shooting from three to four cameras—a technique that became an industry standard.
The Heart of His Work: Friendship and Family
A unifying theme across Burrows’ shows was the power of friendship and chosen family—whether it was the regulars bonding over drinks at the bar in “Cheers,” the cab drivers striving for dignity in “Taxi,” or the young adults sharing an apartment building in “Friends.”
“The best sitcoms go beyond the screen and grab the audience by the throat and heart,” he wrote in his memoirs. Over his career, he directed more than 75 pilots that were picked up as series, helping launch countless careers.
“Having directed over a thousand shows, almost every night you can turn on the TV or go online and find a show that I have directed. I am very proud of that,” he reflected.
In 2019, he executive produced live recreations of classic episodes of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” bringing 1970s television back to life with contemporary casts.
A Legacy of Kindness and Mentorship
Beyond his professional achievements, Burrows was remembered by his family for his warmth and generosity. “Burrows understood that great comedy was never just about laughter. It was about humanity, connection and truth,” they said. “That understanding became the foundation of a career that changed television forever.”
They added: “But beyond his remarkable accomplishments, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity and unwavering belief in the people around him. He had 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.”
Personal Life
Burrows married Debbie Easton in 1997; they met while she worked as a hairstylist on “Frasier.” He is survived by his daughters Kat Schatzow, Ellie Gluck, and Maggie Burrows—who followed in her father’s footsteps as a director—from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, who died in 2004. He also leaves behind stepdaughter Paris, sister Laurie Burrows Grad, and seven grandchildren.
