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Beloved Hollywood director James Burrows died on Friday at the age of 85.
Burrows’ family confirmed the death of the actor in a statement sent to People magazine, reports the Associated Press, saying they are celebrating the director’s “amazing life and lasting legacy,” who “passed peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.”
“For more than five decades, Burrows has been one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” the statement read. “As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comics and brought unparalleled joy to audiences around the world.”
The statement then highlighted his “unparalleled career,” as he directed “over 1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating the most historic series ever produced.”
The well-known Hollywood director, James Burrows, died on Friday at the age of 85. (Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
FEATURING CHEERS’ STAR GEORGE WENDT
Often referred to as the “King of Sitcoms,” Burrows had his big break in the industry when he directed episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which led to him becoming one of the main directors of “Taxi,” which earned him his first two Emmy Awards.
He then went on to host the hit sitcom, “Cheers,” and directed all 35 of the show’s 275 episodes. His work on the show earned him six Emmy Awards throughout the show.
“But beyond his incredible accomplishments, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith in those around him,” the statement continued. “He had a rare ability to make everyone better and was known to remember everyone he met by name, making his colleagues at all levels feel recognized, respected and respected.”
Burrows also directed the pilot and key episodes of “Friends,” as well as every episode of “Will & Grace,” and as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after sitcom directors he worked on “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Band Theory,” “Two Broke Girls,” “Frasier” and many others.
Burrows found major success while anchoring the hit sitcom “Cheers.” (NBCU Photo Bank)
“Burrows understood that great comedy was never just about laughing. It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding was the foundation of a work that forever changed television,” his family wrote in their statement to People. “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.”
“Above all else, Burrows was a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” the statement concluded. “He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, his four daughters, and his seven grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and forever missed. Our thoughts are with Debbie, his children and grandchildren, his family, friends, associates, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing.”
JAMES VAN DER BEEK’S STARS RELEASED MOURNING TRIBUTES AFTER HIS DEATH AT 48.
Throughout his career, Burrows has received 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild Awards, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.
Upon learning of his death, many actors who worked with him throughout their careers, including Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing, paid tribute to Burrows on social media.
Burrows has won numerous awards, including 11 Emmy Awards and five DGA Awards, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006. (Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic for Academy of Television Arts and Sciences)
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Messing shared a series of photos from their time together on “Will & Grace” on Instagram, with the caption calling her “One of the greatest talents and revolutions in television.”
“I cannot express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him,” he said. “Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a sense of humor but burst out laughing when he planned the comedic moments. I wanted his laugh more than anything.”
Aniston, who directed him in “Friends,” calling him “Papa Burrows” in an Instagram tribute, added, “The hardest thing about writing this is that you’ve spent your whole life making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all that love into a few paragraphs.”
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Messing and Aniston paid tribute to Burrows on their Instagrams. (Vince Bucci/Getty Images for PCA; Chris Haston/NBC)
“He was a father to me. He was always checking on me,” she wrote in part. “He worried about me, he celebrated me, he taught me, he guided me, and he held me through the hardest times and the best times. He spoiled us rotten. Above all, he taught us—the kids—how important it is to love and respect each other. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that.
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Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie, whom he married in 1997, and his four daughters, Katherine, Margaret and Ellie, who he shared with his first wife, Linda Solomon, and Paris, who is Debbie’s daughter from a previous relationship. He is also survived by seven grandchildren.
