James Burrows: A Legendary TV Director’s Legacy

James Burrows, the acclaimed television director known for co-creating the beloved sitcom “Cheers” and influencing numerous hit series like “Taxi,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Big Bang Theory,” passed away at the age of 85. His family shared a heartfelt message through People magazine, celebrating Burrows’ remarkable contributions to the world of television comedy.

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.

Burrows’ career began in the 1970s with directing roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” His skill in handling multi-camera sitcoms set him apart, and he joined MTM, a production company known for its quality programming. Talent was prioritized over technical skills, as Burrows noted in a 1995 interview: “They were smart enough to know that it’s better to have a director who can talk to actors rather than a director who can move cameras.”

Born in Los Angeles and raised in New York, Burrows honed his skills at the High School of Music & Art and later at Yale School of Drama. His introduction to entertainment came through his father, Abe Burrows, a notable playwright and director. James began as a stage manager and learned the nuances of comedy, which influenced his directorial style. His father’s work in radio comedies shaped his understanding of humor delivery.

Burrows co-created “Cheers” with Glen and Les Charles, directing 237 of its 275 episodes. The show became a cultural staple, with Burrows stating, “It’s the word… It was all about the words.” His father’s successful career influenced his approach, with Abe Burrows having co-written for Broadway musicals like “Guys and Dolls.”

Burrows’ reputation grew with his approach to creating ensemble casts. He was known for fostering camaraderie among actors and writers, believing that positive relationships off-screen translated to better performances. This philosophy was evident when he took the “Friends” cast to Las Vegas for bonding or threw parties to bring together “Mike & Molly” cast members.

His directorial achievements included work on NBC’s “Must See TV” line-up in the 1990s. Despite a few setbacks with shows like “Cafe Americain,” Burrows consistently delivered hits. His favorite projects included episodes from “Frasier,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” and memorable moments from “Taxi” and “Will & Grace.”

In his later years, Burrows continued to embrace the multi-camera sitcom format. He was celebrated by the Television Academy in 2013 and reached a significant milestone in 2016 by directing his 1,000th television episode. NBC honored him with a special tribute, though some critics felt it fell short of his legendary stature.

Through his illustrious career, Burrows received 48 Emmy nominations and won seven Directors Guild of America Awards, among other honors. He leaves behind his wife, Debbie Easton, four daughters, and seven grandchildren.