James Burrows, the television director responsible for shaping the look and rhythm of American sitcoms for more than 50 years, died Friday at 85.
His family confirmed the news in a statement to People. "We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James 'Jimmy' Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family," the statement read. "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."
The statement added that Burrows "directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic series ever produced including 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Taxi,' 'Cheers,' 'Frasier,' 'Friends,' 'Will & Grace' and 'The Big Bang Theory,' among many others."
The Hollywood Reporter, in a critic's appreciation published after his death, described Burrows as possibly the single most important figure in television comedy over the past half century. He won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America awards. He directed 237 episodes of Cheers, 75 episodes of Taxi, and dozens of episodes apiece for Frasier and Friends. His first directing credit dates to 1974, when he helmed episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
The Hollywood Reporter placed Burrows alongside Norman Lear and Lorne Michaels as figures whose influence on television comedy is difficult to overstate, noting that unlike those two, Burrows came from the directing side of the industry rather than the writing and producing lineage more commonly celebrated in the medium.
NBC released a statement calling Burrows "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," the network said. "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."
Actor Tony Danza posted on social media, "We have lost the greatest of all time. Jimmy Burrows. I know I wouldn't be here without him."
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, said Burrows "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."
Burrows is survived by his wife Debbie and their children.
