James Burrows, prolific TV director and co-creator of ‘Cheers,’ dies at 85

Emmy-winning television director James Burrows, a decades-long Hollywood hit-maker who co-created “Cheers” and helmed more than 1,000 episodes of programs ranging from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to “Will & Grace” and “Friends,” died Friday at age 85.

Burrows’ family confirmed his death in a statement to People magazine, saying he “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.”

A cause of death was not released.

“For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” according to the family. “As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.

“Over the course of his unparalleled career, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic series ever produced, including ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ ‘Taxi,’ ‘Cheers,’ ‘Frasier,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Will & Grace,’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ among many others.

“But beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him. He possessed 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.

“Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter. It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television. His influence will continue to be felt for generations through the countless artists he inspired, the stories he helped tell, and the millions of people whose lives were brightened by his work.”

The family called him a “devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, and seven grandchildren.

“Will & Grace” star Eric McCormack posted a tribute to Burrows on Instagram.

“We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend,” McCormack wrote.

“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,” he added.

Born in Los Angeles, Burrows was educated in New York and graduated from the Yale School of Drama. After returning to Los Angeles and working on theater productions, Burrows was hired by Mary Tyler Moore, directing episodes of her landmark sitcom, along with its spinoffs “Phyllis,” “Lou Grant” and “Rhoda.”

He also worked on programs such as “The Bob Newhart Show” and more notably, “Taxi,” which earned him the first two of his 11 career Emmy Awards.

Burrows teamed with “Taxi” producers Glen and Les Charles to create the bar-centered sitcom “Cheers,” with Burrows directing the vast majority of the show’s episodes, earning him six more Emmys.

He quickly became one of Hollywood’s go-to television directors, helming episodes of dozens of series over the year, including “Night Court,” “Dear John,” “NewsRadio,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Caroline in the City,” “Dharma & Greg,” “Friends,” “The Millers,” “Mike & Molly” and “2 Broke Girls.” He directed 246 episodes of “Will & Grace.” He also directed the pilot episodes of ‘Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

He received a lifetime achievement award from the Directors Guild of America for television directing in 2015. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006