James Burrows, the acclaimed director and co-creator of Cheers, has died aged 85, after a career that helped shape some of the most beloved sitcoms of the past five decades.
Known affectionately as Jimmy to many of the actors, writers and producers who worked with him, James was behind the camera for a remarkable list of television favourites, including Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.
His longtime agent, Rick Rosen, paid tribute in a statement, saying: “Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium.”
He added: “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”
James’ influence was especially felt in the multi-camera sitcom world, where he had an extraordinary instinct for casting, timing and creating the kind of on-screen chemistry that kept audiences returning week after week.
After beginning his career in theatre, James made the move into television in the 1970s, working on shows including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show and Laverne & Shirley.
© Disney General Entertainment ConBut it was Taxi and then Cheers that cemented his status as one of the most important figures in TV comedy.
James co-created Cheers with brothers Glen and Les Charles, while also directing 236 episodes of the long-running NBC favourite. The Boston bar-set series went on to become one of television’s most loved and acclaimed comedies, launching the careers of stars including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman and Woody Harrelson.
He later directed the pilot episodes of a remarkable number of sitcom hits, including Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Two and a Half Men, Mike & Molly, Two Broke Girls, The Big Bang Theory and The Neighborhood.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesHis work on Will & Grace was particularly extensive, with James directing all 246 episodes of the original run and revival. He also directed 15 episodes of Friends, including the landmark pilot that introduced the world to Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe.
In a tribute, NBC called him “the man behind the curtain”, adding: “He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke.”
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesThe network continued: “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.”
James won 11 Emmy Awards across his career and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2006. He remained active well into his eighties, recently working on the Will & Grace and Frasier revivals, as well as Hulu comedy Mid-Century Modern.
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