Legendary TV Director James Burrows Dies at 85

James Burrows, the creative force behind some of America’s most beloved sitcoms, has died at the age of 85.

Best known for co‑creating the sitcom Cheers, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of shows such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Will & Grace. His work earned him 11 Emmy Awards and 48 nominations across his career.

Attorney Tom Hoberman confirmed Burrows’ death, citing “great sadness” to CBS News and the BBC’s U.S. partner.

In a statement read by People, his family said “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows.” They added that for over five decades he was a mentor, comedy auteur, and creator of joy for millions worldwide.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows studied at Yale School of Drama before co‑creating Cheers with the Charles brothers. The show became a 1980s hit across the U.S. and the U.K.

The Directors Guild of America awarded his lifetime achievement award in 2015, describing him as “an incredibly generous colleague” who shared wisdom and humor.

Actor Eric McCormack and Lisa Kudrow took to social media to pay tribute, calling him “an incredible legacy” and expressing thanks for guiding them.

NBC, which aired many of Burrows’ shows, said he was “the man behind the curtain” and his loss would be “immeasurable.”

Burrows’ impact continues, from the laughter of Friends’ ensemble to the enduring popularity of Cheers, proving his timeless influence on contemporary TV comedy.