James Burrows, one of the most prolific and influential figures in American television, died on Friday at age 85. He was widely regarded as the most decorated sitcom director in U.S. television history and helped shape the modern American sitcom in the second half of the 20th century.
Over a career spanning more than 100 series and more than 1,000 episodes, Burrows directed pilots and key early episodes of some of TV’s biggest hits, including Friends, Frasier, Cheers, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory. He won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America awards, and in 2015 he reached the rare milestone of directing his 1,000th sitcom episode.
Burrows was known as a specialist in pilot episodes and in working with young, inexperienced actors. He also played a role in shaping Friends in its early years. In 2016, NBC aired a tribute special for him featuring dozens of stars who had worked with him over the years, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Jim Parsons and Charlie Sheen.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in New York, Burrows was the son of Broadway playwright and screenwriter Abe Burrows. He began his career in theater before moving into television in the mid-1970s. In a 2013 interview, he said directors should be active participants in the process: “Don’t be traffic cops, get in there and say what you want to say. It will only improve the result.” In 2014, he received a Directors Guild of America lifetime achievement award.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie, whom he married in 1997, and three children from his first marriage to Linda Solomon. His family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and said, “For more than five decades Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. He helped shape generations and brought joy to audiences around the world.” Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito, who worked with him on Taxi, called him “the best in the business” and praised his positive spirit and endless energy.
