Cheers co-creator and Friends director James Burrows has died at 85.
The sitcom spearhead’s family announced the news with a statement sent to People. They confirmed that he passed away peacefully Friday, June 19, surrounded by loved ones. No additional details were shared.
“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” the Burrows family said. “For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.”
Burrows, an 11-time Emmy winner, was a giant in the TV world. In addition to his role as writer, director, and producer for the ’80s television classic, Cheers, he also, as noted by his family, directed more than 1,000 episodes of different shows from the ’70s to 2025.
His resume is longer than most and includes extensive work on projects like Taxi, Phyllis, The Betty White Show, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and many, many more. Most recently, he directed a series of episodes for the Frasier revival show. He also directed the entire first season of Mid-Century Modern, starring Nathan Lane, which premiered in 2025.
“Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter,” the statement from his family continued. “It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television,” his family wrote. “His influence will continue to be felt for generations through the countless artists he inspired, the stories he helped tell, and the millions of people whose lives were brightened by his work.”
Across his half-century career in TV, Burrows has worked with a countless number of names, big and small, across the industry. Many have already taken to social media to share memories of their time with him.
“Time spent with Jimmy Burrows was time worth laughing about,” Laverne and Shirley and Better Call Saul star Michael McKean said. “A great comedy guy and a very nice man. RIP.”
“Thank you Jimmy,” Friends alum Lisa Kudrow said in an Instagram Story. “I mean, for everything. I love you.”
“Rest easy Boss. You gave us so much,” The Class and Spider-Man: Brand New Day actor Jon Bernthal said. “Raised so many of us with humor and heart. A whole generation. You gave me my shot. I will be forever grateful.”
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
