James Burrows, the acclaimed television director who worked on iconic sitcoms such as ‘Friends’, ‘Will and Grace’, ‘Two Broke Girls’, has sadly passed away. He is 85 years old.Burrows died on Friday, his family confirmed in a statement that read, “We celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family. For more than five decades, Burrows has been one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, teacher, and creative force, he has helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.Burrows, who has spent more than five decades shaping modern sitcoms, is an ace director and producer, 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 the news of his death, NBC released a statement that read, “Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, which buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the best out of every joke. His loss to the world of television comedy is immeasurable. Countless others, think of Jimmy and know that he made all of 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 photos of himself with Burrows and LeBlanc on Instagram and wrote, “Jimmy Burrows brings out the best in every actor he’s ever worked with, and elevates every show he directs, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. He was looking for us, on camera and off.““I’m sure of others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, fun-and on my best days, I like to think, even proud. “Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs have been blessed forever from seeing his great stage and talent with him. Jimmy, I miss you so much and I’m so grateful. Thank you for being a great director, teacher and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the whole family. X Swim.”LeBlanc mourned the loss of Burrows as he wrote: “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and all who were lucky enough to know you. You sir were a true icon on many levels. Best wishes in your next endeavors. You will be missed. God’s blessing.”Lisa Kudrow, who starred alongside Burrows in 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…” he wrote on his Instagram Story.The stars of ‘Will and Grace’ are mourning his deathActress: Debra Messing wrote, “James Burrows is a legend. An Icon. An extraordinary talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love to more homes, around the world, than any other TV director in history. To me he is Jimmy. To my son, he is Papa Jimmy. I cannot express the pain of his loss, and I know the same is true for all those fortunate enough to have loved him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He has a dry sense of humor but bursts into laughter when he orchestrates comic moments that land. I want her laugh more than anything. He loves and trusts his actors (which is rare in TV comedy). He let us play and explore and fail hard and always find the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. He is quiet and serious, but also committed to finishing practice so he can make his tee time. He loves talent. He was happy about it. Every person he allowed in his place felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every member of the cast who had the rare privilege of directing him for almost a decade felt like one of his children. And now, our dad is missing from TV. I love you Jimmy. Look for the clowns there. They need direction. May his memory be a blessing. May Debbie, her children and grandchildren be surrounded by love today.”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 almost everything. The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, everyone loved him, and left not a mark but a footprint. A wonderful legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you have given us. I love you. And I’m sending lots of love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family,” she wrote on Instagram.Scott Icenogle paid tribute in a note that read, “The world has lost a cultural, television icon today – James “Jimmy” Burrows. Jimmy was a dear friend and I am so grateful to have had so many fun times with him personally and professionally.
Both 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.”His co-star Beth Behrs, who also worked with Burrows on the pilot episode of CBS’s The Neighborhood, shared some of her favorite memories of the director. “Dear Jimmy, I will never forget @katdenningsss and I became completely convinced that you hated us during rehearsals for the pilot of 2 Broke Girls. We marched to your podium like two graders who called the principal’s office and asked you a pointless question. I will never forget the belly laugh. “Oh ladies, of course not,” he wrote on Instagram.Several other Hollywood personalities also mourned Burrows’ death in social media posts.Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows has left an indelible mark on television comedy, helping to create and shape shows that have entertained millions of viewers around the world. He has directed over 50 television pilots and co-created the television series ‘Cheers’. He is known for directing many episodes of comedy shows such as ‘The Bob Newhart Show’, ‘Taxi’, ‘Frasier’, ‘Friends’, ‘Will & Grace’, and ‘Mike & Molly’.He won 11 Emmy Awards, starting back-to-back comedy directing trophies in 1980 and 1981 for his work on “Taxi.” He has also been honored 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.