James Burrows, sitcom legend behind ‘Cheers’ and ‘Friends’, dies at 85

PETALING JAYA: James Burrows, the acclaimed television director and co-creator of “Cheers” whose influence extended across some of the most successful sitcoms in television history, has died at the age of 85.

According to multiple US reports, Burrows died peacefully in his sleep on Friday following a brief illness.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows became one of the most influential figures in American television comedy. Widely regarded as a pioneer of the multi-camera sitcom format, he helped shape the style and rhythm of TV comedies that would entertain audiences around the world for generations.

His family announced his death in a statement shared with People magazine. “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” they said.

The family noted that he directed more than 1,000 television episodes and helped create some of the medium’s most enduring series.

Beyond his professional achievements, they said he would be remembered for his kindness, generosity and ability to make people feel valued.

Burrows began his career directing episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” before going on to work on “The Bob Newhart Show”, “Laverne & Shirley”, “Rhoda” and “The Betty White Show”.

His breakthrough came with “Taxi”, the acclaimed sitcom set in a New York cab company that starred Danny DeVito, Andy Kaufman and Tony Danza. The role earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award for directing in 1980.

Burrows later co-created “Cheers”, one of television’s most celebrated sitcoms, and directed 236 episodes of the series. His credits also included all 246 episodes of “Will & Grace”, 75 episodes of “Taxi”, 49 of “Mike & Molly”, 36 of “Frasier” and 15 episodes of “Friends”.

He also directed pilot episodes for several hit series, including “Taxi”, “Cheers”, “Two and a Half Men” and “3rd Rock From the Sun”, helping to establish the tone of shows that would become television staples.

In a tribute, NBC described Burrows as “the man behind the curtain” whose instinct for comedy helped shape generations of television. “His loss to the television comedy world is immeasurable,” the network said.

“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.”

Burrows received 48 Primetime Emmy nominations during his career and won 11 awards. His success with “Cheers” earned him multiple Emmys for both directing and outstanding comedy series, while his final Emmy came in 2020 for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and Good Times”.

In recognition of his contributions to television, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2006.