James Burrows, Emmy-Winning TV Comedy Director Behind 'Friends' and 'Cheers,' Dies at 85

James Burrows, the most decorated director in American sitcom history, has died at the age of 85. His longtime agent, Rick Rosen, said, "Jimmy was the greatest television comedy director in history," adding that he directed "the most iconic and defining series of entire generations" and was always "a gentleman."

Burrows began his career in 1974 on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and went on to become one of the key creative figures behind U.S. television comedy over five decades, from the 1970s through the 2000s. He directed episodes of landmark series including Friends, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men.

He was also one of the creators of Cheers and directed 236 episodes of that series, as well as 246 episodes of Will & Grace. In addition to directing, he served as an executive producer on many of these shows. Even in later life, he remained active, directing a Hulu comedy just last year.

Over his 50-year career, Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards, including honors for Outstanding Comedy Series for Cheers and Will & Grace.