James Burrows, the Emmy-winning television director and co-creator of Cheers, has died at the age of 85, his family confirmed on June 19, writes parade.com.
Burrows passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, according to a statement issued to People magazine. His family described him as “one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history” across a career spanning more than five decades.
Burrows began his directing career with four episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show between 1974 and 1976. He subsequently directed more than 70 episodes of Taxi, where he won his first two Emmy Awards alongside producers Glen and Les Charles. The trio later co-created Cheers in 1982, with Burrows directing all but 35 of the sitcom’s 275 episodes across its 11-season run from 1982 to 1993. His work on Cheers earned him six Emmy Awards.
Over the course of his career, Burrows directed more than 50 television pilots and every episode of Will & Grace during its original run. His credits also include Frasier, Friends and 3rd Rock from the Sun. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2006.
Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards in total. His family said he would be remembered for his “kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him,” noting his ability to make colleagues at every level feel valued.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. Burrows married Debbie Easton in 1997, having previously been married to Linda Solomon from 1981 to 1993.
Burrows was widely regarded as one of the most prolific directors in American television comedy, with his work on multi-camera sitcoms establishing techniques that shaped the genre for generations. His influence extended across multiple decades of prime-time programming.
•Featured image: James Burrows/Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
