The TV world is mourning the death of James Burrows, the legendary comedy director and producer.
Burrows, 85, died Friday, his family said in a statement: “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 was one of the most prolific and revered comedy directors in TV history. He helmed every episode of Will & Grace (both its original run and the 2017-20 revival) and 236 of the 270 episodes of Cheers, which he co-created with Glen and Les Charles. The 11-time Emmy winner also directed 75 episodes of Taxi, 49 episodes of Mike & Molly, 32 episodes of Frasier, 15 episodes of Friends and all 10 episodes of 2025’s Mid-Century Modern from Will & Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. Those are just a fraction of his credits.
“We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend,” Will & Grace star Eric McCormack wrote on Instagram (see the post below). “The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy.”
