James Burrows, Co‑Creator of Cheers and Friends, Dies at 85
James Burrows, the legendary director behind American sitcom staples such as Cheers, Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Will & Grace, has passed away at the age of 85.
Co‑creator of the iconic 1980s series Cheers with the Charles brothers, Burrows was a prolific director, steering more than 1,000 episodes of television comedy over a career that spanned five decades.
According to his attorney Tom Hoberman, Burrows died peacefully surrounded by family. In a statement shared with People, his family described him as “one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history.”
His list of accolades includes 11 Emmy Awards, five Directors Guild of America Awards, 48 Primetime Emmy nominations, and a lifetime achievement award from the DGA in 2015.
Former colleagues and actors from his shows paid tribute, with actors like Eric McCormack and Lisa Kudrow expressing admiration for Burrows’ generosity, humour and mentorship.
Burrows’ legacy sits at the heart of modern comedy, having directed iconic casts such as Ted Danson, Shelley Long, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow. NBC praised him as “the man behind the curtain.”
He is survived by a family that celebrates his extraordinary life and enduring impact on generations of viewers across timelines.
