**James Burrows, Legendary Director of Cheers and Friends, Dies Aged 85**
James Burrows, a renowned director celebrated for his work on some of America's most beloved sitcoms, has passed away at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by attorney Tom Hoberman, who expressed the news "with great sadness" to CBS News.
Burrows was best known as the co-creator of the iconic sitcom "Cheers," which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. Over his impressive career, he directed more than 1,000 episodes of various television comedies, including "Friends," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Will and Grace." His contributions to the television landscape have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows spent a significant portion of his childhood in New York City. He later attended the Yale School of Drama, where he honed his directing skills. His journey in television began in earnest when he co-created "Cheers" with brothers Glen and Les Charles. The show quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple of American television and earning a dedicated fan base in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, Burrows received numerous accolades for his work. He won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, showcasing his talent and influence in the field. In 2015, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Directors Guild of America, which praised him as "an incredibly generous colleague" who shared his wisdom and humor with those he worked alongside.
In a statement released to the media, Burrows' family celebrated his extraordinary life and legacy. They noted, "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' impact on the television industry was further highlighted by tributes from colleagues and actors he worked with. Eric McCormack, who portrayed Will in "Will and Grace," took to social media to honor Burrows, calling him "the 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years." McCormack noted that Burrows was beloved by many and left a significant legacy in the world of comedy.
Actress Beth Behrs, who collaborated with Burrows on "2 Broke Girls," shared a fond memory of their time together, recalling a moment when she and her co-star, Kat Dennings, approached Burrows to inquire if he disliked them during rehearsals. Burrows' response, filled with laughter, left a lasting impression on Behrs.
Lisa Kudrow, widely recognized for her role as Phoebe in "Friends," also expressed her gratitude, writing on Instagram, "Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything…" Kudrow had the opportunity to work with Burrows on "Friends" and even appeared alongside him in the HBO comedy "The Comeback."
NBC, the network that aired many of Burrows' shows, described him as "the man behind the curtain," emphasizing the immeasurable loss his passing represents to the television and comedy world.
James Burrows' legacy is one of creativity, mentorship, and joy. His contributions to the sitcom genre have shaped the landscape of television comedy, influencing countless writers, directors, and actors. As fans and colleagues remember him, Burrows' work will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.