James Burroughs, Renowned TV Director, Passes Away at 85

LOS ANGELES (AP) – James Burroughs, the mastermind behind over 1,000 episodes of beloved TV comedies like “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” passed away on Friday at the age of 85.

His family shared the news with People magazine, stating, “He passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family.” Details about the location and cause of his death remain undisclosed.

Burroughs carved out a niche in television directing, particularly in sitcoms. While many viewers might not have known his name, they certainly recognized his contribution, often seeing it flash during the opening credits of their favorite shows.

Entering television somewhat late at age 35 in 1974, he directed episodes for shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Laverne & Shirley.”

He not only co-created “Cheers” but also directed 243 of its 273 episodes. Additionally, he helmed all 246 episodes of “Will & Grace.”

Beyond these, Burroughs directed multiple episodes of hits including “Frasier,” “Friends,” and “Mike & Molly,” while also piloting “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

In his 2022 memoir, “Directing James Burrows,” he mentioned, “When directing a television show, I try to hit that sweet spot where the best writing, the best performances, and the best chemistry between cast members meet.” He emphasized that this blend creates some of the most enduring laughs.

His family noted, “Burroughs understood that great comedy was never just about laughs. It was about humanity, connection, and truth.” They highlighted that his generosity and belief in others truly set him apart, recalling his knack for remembering names and making everyone feel valued.

Most of Burroughs’ famed shows aired on NBC, known for its “must-see TV” slogan in the early ’90s featuring “Friends” and “Frasier.”

NBC paid tribute, saying, “Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh and was a master at maximizing every joke.” They acknowledged that his absence leaves a significant void in television comedy.

Born James Edward Burroughs on December 30, 1940, in Los Angeles, he moved to New York as a child. He spent time in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Choir before attending LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts.

His father, Abe Burrows, was also embedded in the industry, known for Broadway hits like “Guys and Dolls.” Young James often watched him work and mingled with celebrities during his father’s New Year’s parties.

After earning a degree from Oberlin College, Burroughs continued at Yale’s drama program, where he crossed paths with notable classmates, including Robert Klein and John Guare.

His initial foray into sitcoms began as a dialogue coach for Burl Ives on “OK Crackerby!” which aired for one season in 1965. He later served as an assistant on “The Patty Duke Show” and worked with prominent Broadway producers before earning his directing break in television.

Burroughs revolutionized sitcom directing, pushing the multi-camera setup from three to four cameras, allowing for a more dynamic shooting style.

A recurring theme in his shows was the exploration of friendship and family dynamics, whether it was the patrons of a bar in “Cheers” or the apartment-dwelling 20-somethings in “Friends.”

He believed great sitcoms could reach beyond the screen to touch audience hearts, as he noted in his memoir.

Over his career, he directed more than 75 pilots, many of which went on to become prominent series, and took pride in being able to find traces of his work nearly anytime he turns on a TV.

In 2019, Burroughs produced live reenactments of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” bringing classic episodes back to the spotlight.

His agent, Rick Rosen, commented on his legacy, calling him the greatest comedy television director in history and honoring him as a true gentleman.

Burroughs married Debbie Easton in 1997, a connection that began when she was a hairstylist on “Frasier.” He had three daughters, Kat Schatzow, Ellie Gluck, and Maggie Burrows, from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, who passed away in 2004. He also had a stepdaughter and is survived by a sister and seven grandchildren.