James Burrows, legendary director behind Friends and Cheers, dies at 85
Photo: James Burrows(Getty Images)
American director, screenwriter, and producer James Burrows has died in the United States at the age of 85. He was one of the most influential figures in the sitcom genre, directing more than 1,000 episodes of some of television's most iconic series, according to The New York Times.
The filmmaker passed away on Friday, June 19. His death was officially confirmed by his agent, Rick Rosen, although the exact location and cause of death have not yet been disclosed.
Over five decades in the industry, Burrows earned a reputation as the leading comedy director in American television. He won 11 Emmy Awards and received a record 47 nominations throughout his career.
Burrows co-created the legendary sitcom Cheers and directed pilot episodes and key installments of major television hits including Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Frasier, Taxi, and Will & Grace. In total, he launched 75 successful pilot episodes that later became full television series.
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Brief biography
James Edward Burrows was born on December 30, 1940, in Los Angeles to renowned Broadway playwright and director Abe Burrows.
When he was five years old, his family moved to New York City, where he was raised. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1962 and later earned a directing degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1965.
Burrows began his career in theater as an assistant director. In 1974, he moved into television, where he quickly became one of the industry's most sought-after and highest-paid directors thanks to his intuitive understanding of comedic timing and multi-camera production.
The director remained professionally active well into his 80s. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Easton, three daughters from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, a stepdaughter, and seven grandchildren.
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