James Burrows, Iconic TV Director and 'Cheers' Co-creator, Dies at 85

WHO:

Deadline - Tributes from Lisa Kudrow and Sean Hayes were included among the remembrances for James Burrows.

NBC News - Burrows' attorney confirmed his death.

Deadline - Burrows directed more than 50 pilot episodes throughout his career.

NY Post - Tony Danza, who worked with Burrows on 75 episodes of the ABC comedy series "Taxi," paid tribute to him.

NBC News - James Burrows, co-creator of "Cheers" and director of "Will & Grace"

Variety - James 'Jimmy' Burrows, a prolific television director

WHAT:

BBC News - Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of other classics including "The Big Bang Theory" and "Will and Grace."

Deadline - Burrows was recognized as the most decorated multi-camera director in television history, a title reiterated in tributes following his death.

Deadline - Burrows had a career spanning over 50 years in television.

CBS News US - Burrows was involved in some of the biggest sitcoms of all time, including "Cheers" and "Will & Grace."

Variety - Burrows' family released a statement celebrating his life and legacy, stating, "We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James 'Jimmy' Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family."

Screen Rant - James Burrows has passed away at the age of 85.

Deadline - Burrows was the most decorated multi-camera director in television history.

CBS News Entertainment - Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."

Rolling Stone TV Movies - Burrows helmed over 1,000 episodes for shows like "Friends," "Frasier," "Taxi," and "Mary Tyler Moore Show."

WHERE:

TMZ - Burrows passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

WHEN:

Deadline - Burrows passed away in his sleep on June 19, 2026, after a brief illness.

WHY:

Deadline - Tony Danza described Burrows as "the greatest of all time" in a tribute shared on social media.

Deadline - Tributes described Burrows as "the most decorated multi-camera director in the history of the medium."

Deadline - Tributes from colleagues and peers described Burrows as "the greatest of all time."

Variety - The family celebrated the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James Burrows.

HOW:

TMZ - Burrows' family announced his death through a statement released on Friday.

TMZ - Burrows' family released a statement announcing his death.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 08:05 UTC)

Burrows has directed over 1,000 episodes of beloved television classics, including "The Big Bang Theory" and "Will and Grace." His extensive career has made a significant impact on the landscape of television comedy. Fans of these shows continue to celebrate his contributions to the industry.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 06:19 UTC)

James Burrows has been honored as the most decorated multi-camera director in television history, a title that was highlighted in tributes following his passing. Among those paying their respects were Lisa Kudrow and Sean Hayes, who shared heartfelt remembrances. Tony Danza also took to social media to describe Burrows as "the greatest of all time."

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 04:17 UTC)

Burrows' attorney has confirmed his death, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over 50 years in television. Known for his exceptional talent, tributes have described Burrows as "the most decorated multi-camera director in the history of the medium." His contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark that will be remembered by many.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 01:39 UTC)

Tributes are pouring in for legendary director James Burrows, who directed more than 50 pilot episodes throughout his impressive career. Burrows was instrumental in creating some of the biggest sitcoms of all time, including classics like "Cheers" and "Will & Grace." Colleagues and peers have hailed him as "the greatest of all time," reflecting the profound impact he had on television.

(UPDATED June 19, 2026 23:17 UTC)

James 'Jimmy' Burrows, a beloved figure in television known for his work on iconic shows, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. In a heartfelt tribute, actor Tony Danza, who collaborated with Burrows on 75 episodes of the classic comedy series "Taxi," honored his legacy. Burrows' family released a statement celebrating his extraordinary life and contributions to the entertainment industry.

(UPDATED June 19, 2026 21:18 UTC)

James Burrows, the co-creator of "Cheers" and a prolific television director, has passed away at the age of 85. Known as the most decorated multi-camera director in television history, Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace." His impressive body of work also includes iconic shows like "Friends," "Frasier," "Taxi," and the "Mary Tyler Moore Show." Burrows passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. His family has released a statement celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James Burrows.