James Burrows, the legendary television director known for shaping iconic sitcoms like 'Friends,' 'Will & Grace,' and 'Two Broke Girls,' has passed away at the age of 85.
Burrows died on Friday, his family confirmed in a statement: "We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James 'Jimmy' Burrows, who passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family. 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."
With a career spanning over five decades, Burrows was widely regarded as a titan of television comedy. He won 11 Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as one of TV's most successful directors.
NBC issued a statement: "Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke. His loss to the television comedy world is immeasurable. 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."
Friends Stars Pay Tribute
David Schwimmer shared photos on Instagram, writing, "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. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family... He looked out for us, on camera and off."
Matt LeBlanc posted: "Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels."
Lisa Kudrow shared a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram Story with the caption: "Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything…"
Will & Grace Stars Mourn
Debra Messing wrote: "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... 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."
Eric McCormack said: "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. The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years."
Scott Icenogle added: "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."
Two Broke Girls Stars Remember
Kat Dennings wrote on Instagram Story: "RIP to a real one."
Beth Behrs shared a memory: "Dear Jimmy, I'll never forget @katdenningsss and I becoming absolutely convinced you hated us during rehearsals for the pilot of 2 Broke Girls. We marched up to your podium like two fourth-graders called into the principal's office and asked you point-blank. I'll never forget the belly laugh. 'Oh girls, of course not.'"
Numerous other Hollywood personalities also paid tribute on social media.
Throughout his career, Burrows directed over 50 television pilots and co-created 'Cheers.' He directed episodes of 'The Bob Newhart Show,' 'Taxi,' 'Frasier,' 'Friends,' 'Will & Grace,' and 'Mike & Molly.' He won 11 Emmy Awards, including back-to-back comedy directing trophies in 1980 and 1981 for 'Taxi.' He also received five Directors Guild of America Awards and the DGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Burrows was married to Linda Solomon from 1981 to 1993. He is survived by his second wife, Debbie Easton, whom he married in 1997, and three children from his first marriage.
