James Burrows, the co-creator of the enduring classic sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 85.
Also a prolific TV director of hit series like Will & Grace and several episodes of Friends and Frasier, Burrows died Friday, his family said in a statement.
“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” read the statement shared with People.
“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.”
Throughout his more than 50-year career, Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards. He earned his first two back-to-back in 1980 and 1981 for his directing work on the five-season sitcom Taxi, which ran from 1978 to 1983.
His next six wins were for his work on Cheers, the 11-season Eighties sitcom starring Ted Danson as a former Red Sox relief pitcher-turned-Boston bar owner. It also starred the late George Wendt, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, John Ratzenberger and in later seasons, Kirstie Alley.
Burrows won his final three Emmys for Frasier, Will & Grace and the 2020 variety special Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: “All In The Family” And “Good Times.”
In 2006, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Born December 30, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, Burrows was the son of Ruth and Abe Burrows, a composer, director and writer, best known for writing the books of Broadway hits including Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Can Can.
Burrows earned a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College before attending the Yale School of Drama, where he received a graduate degree.
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He later returned to Los Angeles, briefly working as a dialogue coach on his father’s short-lived 1965 sitcom O.K. Crackerby!, starring Burl Ives.
He eventually moved to New York City, becoming a stage manager on Broadway’s original 1966 run of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
In total, Burrows directed more than 100 TV shows. Among the most notable were The Bob Newhart Show, Rhoda, The Betty White Show, Laverne & Shirley, Lou Grant, The Tony Randall Show, The Associates, The Stockard Channing Show, The Hogan Family, Night Court, Dear John, Ladies Man, Wings, NewsRadio, Third Rock from the Sun, Pearl, Dharma & Greg, Caroline in the City, George & Leo, The Class, Courting Alex, Back to You, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory.
“Beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him,” his family added. “He possessed a rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at every level feel seen, valued, and appreciated.”
Burrows is survived by his second wife, Debbie Easton, whom he married in 1997, his four daughters, and his seven grandchildren.