James Burrows, the television director who co-created Cheers and helped shape some of the most beloved comedies in broadcast history, died on Thursday, June 19, at the age of 85. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness.
In a statement, his family said Burrows “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family” and described him as “one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history.” The family added that his work “brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.”
Burrows co-created Cheers with Glen and Les Charles in 1982. The NBC sitcom ran for 11 seasons and won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series four times. He went on to direct episodes of Taxi, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory, accumulating more than 1,000 directorial credits over five decades.
He won 11 Emmy Awards during his career. His influence extended well beyond the credits. Writers, actors, and producers who worked under him described his sets as collaborative and exacting. He directed the pilot episode of Friends in 1994, helping establish the chemistry that made the show a global phenomenon.
Burrows was the son of playwright and director Abe Burrows. He started in theatre before migrating to television in the early 1970s, where the multi-camera format became his signature. He often said that live studio audiences were essential to his work — that the laughter in the room shaped the timing of every performance.
Tony Danza, who starred in Taxi, wrote on social media: “We have lost the greatest of all time.” Tributes from across the entertainment industry followed throughout Thursday evening. No public memorial arrangements have yet been announced.
Burrows directed his last television episode earlier this year. He had been working steadily into his eighties. The entertainment world has had a rich week of news, from House of the Dragon Season 3 earning critical praise to Toy Story 5 breaking box office records.
His death closes a chapter in American television comedy that began with workplace sitcoms of the 1970s and extended through the streaming era. Few directors worked longer at that level or touched as many landmark shows. Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-topping week is a reminder that entertainment never pauses — but Burrows shaped much of what it looks like today.
He is survived by his family. The full list of survivors has not yet been released publicly. Full details of his passing were confirmed by Deadline.
