1 of 2 | James Burrows died Friday at age 85. Image courtesy of UPI
June 19 (UPI) — Prolific television director James Burrows died Friday, People and CBS News reported. He was 85.
People was the first to confirm with Burrows’ family, who said in a statement he died “peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.” CBS confirmed with attorney Tom Hoberman.
Burrows directed the pilot episode of many long-running TV shows, including Taxi, Cheers, Wings, Friends, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Frasier, Rock, NewsRadio, Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, The Neighborhood and more.
He directed every episode of Will & Grace, including its revival. Prior to launching premiere episodes, Burrows also directed episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoffs Lou Grant and Rhoda, Laverne & Shirley, The Bob Newhart Show and more.
His last credit was the 10-episode Mid-Century Modern on Hulu, re-teaming him with Will & Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. Burrows co-created Cheers and its short-lived spinoff The Tortellis.
James Burrows
Eric McCormack is joined by Megan Mullally (L), Debra Messing, Sean Hayes and James Burrows, left to right, during a ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on September 13, 2018. “Will & Grace” director and “Cheers” co-creator James Burrows died on June 19 at age 85. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
