James Burrows, the acclaimed television director who worked on iconic sitcom like ‘Friends’, ‘Will and Grace’, ‘Two Broke Girls’, has sadly passed away. He was 85.Burrows passed away on Friday, his family confirmed in a statement that read, “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family. 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, who spent more than five decades shaping modern sitcoms, the ace director and producer, was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in television comedy. Over the course of his career, he won 11 Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as one of television’s most successful directors.Following news of his demise, NBC issued a statement that read, “Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke. His loss to the television comedy world is immeasurable. Every time you have a smile on your face watching ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ ‘Taxi, ‘Cheers,’ ‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Friends’ and countless others, think of Jimmy and know he made all our lives funnier.”
‘Friends’ actors mourn James Burrows
‘Friends’ actors David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow took to their social media handles to mourn his loss.Schwimmer shared two photographs of himself along with Burrows and LeBlanc on Instagram and wrote, “Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off.““I’m sure others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful-and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud. “Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent. Jimmy, I miss you already and I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the entire family. X Schwim.”LeBlanc mourned the loss of Burrows as she wrote: “Jimmy , words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”Lisa Kudrow, who starred alongside Burrows on The Comeback, shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the two of them from the recent third and final season of the HBO series. “Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything…” she wrote on her Instagram Story.‘Will and Grace’ stars mourn his demiseActress Debra Messing wrote, “James Burrows was a legend. An Icon. A singular talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history. To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy. I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all. He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad. I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns up there. They need direction. May his memory be a blessing. May Debbie, his kids and grandkids be surrounded with love now.”Eric McCormack also shared a statement. “We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will&Grace… and pretty much everything else. The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family,” he wrote on Instagram.Scott Icenogle paid tribute in a note that read, “The world lost a cultural, television icon today – James “Jimmy” Burrows. Jimmy was a dear friend and I am incredibly grateful to have had many fun times with him both personally and professionally. Sean and I are sending his incredible wife, Debbie, and his loving family all our love and support during this difficult time.”
Two Broke Girls stars remember James Burrows
Kat Dennings, who worked with Burrows on 2 Broke Girls, wrote on her Instagram Story, “RIP to a real one.”Her co-star Beth Behrs, who also worked with Burrows on the pilot episode of CBS’s The Neighborhood, shared some of her favorite memories with the director. “Dear Jimmy, I’ll never forget @katdenningsss and I becoming absolutely convinced you hated us during rehearsals for the pilot of 2 Broke Girls. We marched up to your podium like two fourth-graders called into the principal’s office and asked you point-blank. I’ll never forget the belly laugh. ‘Oh girls, of course not,’” she wrote on Instagram.Several other Hollywood personalities also mourned Burrows’ demise in social media posts.Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows left an indelible mark on television comedy, helping create and shape shows that entertained millions of viewers around the world. He directed over 50 television pilots and co-created the television series ‘Cheers’. He is known for having directed numerous episodes of comedy shows such as ‘The Bob Newhart Show’, ‘Taxi’, ‘Frasier’, ‘Friends’, ‘Will & Grace’, and ‘Mike & Molly’.He won 11 Emmy Awards, starting with back-to-back comedy directing trophies in 1980 and 1981 for his work on “Taxi.” He has also been feted with five Directors Guild of America Awards. He was honored with the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.Burrows was married to Linda Solomon from 1981 to 1993. He is survived by his second wife, Debbie Easton, whom he married in 1997, and three children from his first marriage.
