ames Burrows, the acclaimed director and co-creator of Cheers, has died aged 85, after a career that helped shape some of the most beloved sitcoms of the past five decades.
Known affectionately as Jimmy to many of the actors, writers and producers who worked with him, James was behind the camera for a remarkable list of television favourites, including Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.
His longtime agent, Rick Rosen, paid tribute in a statement, saying: “Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium.”
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyHe added: “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”
James’ influence was especially felt in the multi-camera sitcom world, where he had an extraordinary instinct for casting, timing and creating the kind of on-screen chemistry that kept audiences returning week after week.
After beginning his career in theatre, James made the move into television in the 1970s, working on shows including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show and Laverne & Shirley.
But it was Taxi and then Cheers that cemented his status as one of the most important figures in TV comedy.
James co-created Cheers with brothers Glen and Les Charles, while also directing 236 episodes of the long-running NBC favourite. The Boston bar-set series went on to become one of television’s most loved and acclaimed comedies, launching the careers of stars including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman and Woody Harrelson.
He later directed the pilot episodes of a remarkable number of sitcom hits, including Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Two and a Half Men, Mike & Molly, Two Broke Girls, The Big Bang Theory and The Neighborhood.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesHis work on Will & Grace was particularly extensive, with James directing all 246 episodes of the original run and revival. He also directed 15 episodes of Friends, including the landmark pilot that introduced the world to Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe.
In a tribute, NBC called him “the man behind the curtain”, adding: “He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke.”
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesThe network continued: “Every time you have a smile on your face watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Will & Grace, Friends and countless others, think of Jimmy and know he made all our lives funnier.”
James won 11 Emmy Awards across his career and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2006. He remained active well into his eighties, recently working on the Will & Grace and Frasier revivals, as well as Hulu comedy Mid-Century Modern.
See the tributes from some of the stars who have worked with James Burrows below.
© InstagramDavid Schwimmer and James Burrows
David Schwimmer
“Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected,” David, who collaborated with James on Friends, wrote on Instagram.
“His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off.
“He became another Father figure for me, and I’m sure others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful—and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud.
“Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent.”
He concluded: “Jimmy, I miss you already and I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the entire family. x Schwim.”
© InstagramMatt LeBlanc and James Burrows
Matt LeBlanc
“Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you,” Friends star Matt wrote on Instagram.
“You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”
© InstagramJames Burrows and Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow shared no words, but she did upload a sweet photo of herself and James on the set of The Comeback, promoting Matt LeBlanc to write in response: “Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything…”
© InstagramDebra Messing and James Burrows
Debra Messing
“James Burrows was a legend. An Icon. A singular talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history. To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy,” the Will & Grace star penned on Instagram.
“I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all.
“He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time.
“He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad.
“I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns up there. They need direction. May his memory be a blessing. May Debbie, his kids and grandkids be surrounded with love now,” she concluded.
© InstagramEric McCormack and James Burrows
Eric McCormack
“We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will&Grace… and pretty much everything else,” Eric wrote on Instagram.
“The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family.”
© InstagramScott Icenogle, Sean Hayes, and James Burrows
Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes used his husband, Scott Icenogle’s, words, reposting his tribute, which featured a photo of the couple with James, to his Instagram Stories.
Scott penned: “The world lost a cultural, television icon today – James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows. Jimmy was a dear friend and I am incredibly grateful to have had many fun times with him both personally and professionally. Sean and I are sending his incredible wife, Debbie, and his loving family all our love and support during this difficult time.”
