‘Cheers’, ‘Friends’ and ‘Will & Grace’ Actor Dead at 85

James Burrows, the legendary TV director and comedy mastermind who helped shape some of America’s most beloved sitcoms, has died at 85.

Burrows’ family confirmed his death to People, saying the Emmy-winning icon passed away peacefully on Friday surrounded by loved ones. A cause of death was not revealed.

For millions of viewers, Burrows was the invisible hand behind the laughter.

Over a remarkable career that stretched more than five decades, he directed or helped create some of the most famous shows in television history, including Cheers, Friends, Will & Grace, Taxi, Frasier, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Big Bang Theory and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

He also co-created Cheers, the beloved Boston barroom sitcom that became one of TV’s all-time classics.

“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” his family said in a statement.

“For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history.”

The family remembered him not only as a brilliant director, but as a mentor and creative force who helped build the careers of countless stars.

“As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world,” they said.

Burrows’ fingerprints were all over the golden age of sitcoms. He directed every episode of Will & Grace during its original run and worked on more than 1,000 television episodes across his career.

His family said he will be remembered just as much for his kindness and generosity as he will for his incredible body of work.

“Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter,” the statement continued. “It was about humanity, connection, and truth.”

That gift made him a favorite among actors, writers and producers, many of whom considered him the gold standard in television comedy.

His longtime agent, Rick Rosen, paid tribute to Burrows as the greatest comedic TV director in history.

“Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium,” Rosen told Deadline. “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”

Burrows was still working well into his 80s. In 2025, he served as a director and executive producer on all 10 episodes of Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows moved to New York City as a child and went on to become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.

He won 11 Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as the man who knew exactly how to make America laugh.

Burrows is survived by his wife, three daughters and a stepdaughter.

For generations of TV fans, his name may not have always appeared on screen, but his work filled living rooms across America with laughter for decades.