Legendary American television director James Burrows, best known for shaping some of television’s most beloved sitcoms, died on June 19, 2026, at the age of 85.
Speaking to CBS News, attorney Tom Hoberman conveyed the heartbreaking news of Burrows’ death with profound sadness.
11‑time Emmy Award‑winning director James Burrows, alongside Glen and Les Charles, co‑created the legendary sitcom Cheers and personally directed 240 of its 275 episodes.
“Sharing their words with People, his family spoke, “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family.
added “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.”
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, James Burrows was the son of legendary Broadway composer and writer Abe Burrows and spent much of his childhood in New York.
After his family relocated to New York, Burrows enrolled at the High School of Music & Art, went on to Oberlin College, and ultimately completed graduate training at the Yale School of Drama.
Burrows began his career with The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1974, went on to direct more than 50 pilots, and helped shape television history with Cheers (1982–1993)—a massive legacy behind his work.
His commitment to the craft earned him five Directors Guild of America Awards, culminating in the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. The following year, NBC celebrated his career with the special Must See TV: An All‑Star Tribute to James Burrows.
On Instagram, Lisa Kudrow—best known as Phoebe—spoke out, “Thank you, Jimmy. I mean, for everything…”
Over the years, he’s guided countless comedy favorites—from The Bob Newhart Show and Taxi to Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and Mike & Molly—directing all 246 episodes of Will & Grace’s original run, more than 75 episodes of Taxi, the pilots and numerous episodes of its spin‑off Frasier, and 15 early episodes of Friends
