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. “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.”
Debra Messing of Will & Grace also shared a tribute.
“I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all,” she wrote in part on Instagram.
“He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in TV comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music,” Messing continued. “He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad.”
“Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium,” said his long-time agent, Rick Rosen of WME. “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”
Taxi star Tony Danza echoed those thoughts, writing on X, “We have lost the greatest of all time. Jimmy Burrows. I know I wouldn’t be here without him.”
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, also stars on Taxi, shared in a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “Rhea and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Burrows. The entire DeVito family feels the loss of such an exceptional man, and we send our love to Debbie, Jimmy’s children, and all of his loved ones. Jimmy guided Rhea and me through 16 seasons of television. He was the very best at his craft. His positive spirit, boundless energy, and tireless work defined what it takes to run a show and keep people laughing. He will always be in our hearts.”
Much of Burrows’ directing work ended up on NBC. The network said in a statement, “Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke. His loss to the television comedy world is immeasurable. Every time you have a smile on your face watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Will & Grace, Friends and countless others, think of Jimmy and know he made all our lives funnier.”
Said National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson, “Few individuals have had a greater impact on television comedy than James Burrows. Through a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he helped shape the sound, rhythm, and language of modern television comedy, elevating the sitcom as an art form and influencing generations of writers, performers, directors, and storytellers. His work helped define television’s most beloved comedies, and his legacy is woven into the history of comedy itself.”
Friends star David Schwimmer shared a lengthy tribute to his Instagram, writing, “Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off.”
“He became another Father figure for me, and I’m sure others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful — and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud,” Schwimmer continued. “Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent. Jimmy, I miss you already and I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend.”
In addition, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, both of Friends, posted tributes.
LeBlanc made a rare post on Instagram, writing, “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels,” he wrote.” Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”
Meanwhile, Kudrow, who also worked with Burrows on HBO’s The Comeback, shared a photo of the pair on set of the latter series.
Jon Bernthal wrote on Instagram, “Rest easy Boss. You gave us so much. Raised so many of us with humor and heart. A whole generation. You gave me my shot. I will be forever grateful.” The actor worked with Burrows when he appeared on the 2006-07 CBS comedy series The Class.
More reactions to Burrows’ death are below. This story was first published on June 19 at 2:19 p.m. PT and has been updated with more tributes.
McCormack:
Messing:
Danza:
Schwimmer:
LeBlanc:
Bernthal:
Cedric the Entertainer:
Alyssa Milano:
Will & Grace composer Scott Icenogle:
Cheers writer and executive producer Phoef Sutton:
Leave a Reply