James Burrows, the acclaimed television director who worked on iconic sitcoms like ‘Friends’, ‘Will & Grace’, ‘Two Broke Girls’, has sadly passed away. He was 85.Burroughs died Friday, his family confirmed in a statement, saying, “We celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burroughs, who died peacefully today surrounded by his loving family. For more than five decades, Burroughs 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 endless joy to audiences around the world.”Burroughs, who has spent more than five decades creating modern sitcoms, as a solo director and producer, is considered one of the most influential figures in television comedy. During 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 issued a statement that read, “Jimmy Burroughs was a man behind the scenes. He knew how to make us laugh, which buttons to push and was an absolute master of getting the most out of every joke. His loss to the world of television comedy is immeasurable. Every time you have a smile on your face watching ‘The Mary’, ‘The Mary’ Show’, ‘The Mary’ Show.’ ‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Friends’ and Countless others, think of Jimmy and know that he made all of our lives more fun.”
‘Friends’ actor mourns James Burrows
‘Friends’ actor David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc And Lisa Kudrow took to their social media handles to mourn his loss.Schwimmer shared two pictures of himself with Burroughs and LeBlanc on Instagram and wrote, “Jimmy Burroughs brings out the best in every actor he works with, and elevates every show he directs, making it funnier and more moving than anyone could have expected. His warmth, humility, and kindness made us feel safe like family, and I’m sure that’s the only way we’ve ever felt.” He is looking for us, on camera and off.““I’m sure others are. Paternal in the best sense of the word: loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, educational, patient, inspiring, funny—and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud.” Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs have forever learned of his work on stage and blessed him on stage. Incomparable talent. Jimmy, I miss you already and I am forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful manager, mentor and friend. Sending love and strength to Dev and the entire family. X Swim.”LeBlanc mourned the loss of Burroughs as he wrote: “Jimmy, words cannot describe the influence and impact you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to know you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Best of luck in your next endeavors.” You will be missed. God bless.”Lisa Kudrow, who starred alongside Burroughs 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…” she wrote on her Instagram story.‘Will & Grace’ stars mourn her deathactress Debra Messing wrote, “James Burroughs was a legend. An icon. A singular genius and revolutionary in television. He has brought more laughter and love into homes worldwide than any other TV director in history. It was Jimmy. To my son he was Papa Jimmy. I cannot express the pain of her loss, and I know the same is true for everyone lucky enough to have loved her. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but burst into laughter when he orchestrated the comic moments that landed. I wanted her smile the most. He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in TV comedy). He let us play and explore and fail horribly and always find gems in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play music. He was quiet and serious, but very committed to finishing rehearsals so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allows in his field feels respected, admired and important. We were, are and always will be family. Every cast member who had the rare opportunity to be directed by him for nearly a decade felt like one of his children. And today, we lost our TV dad. i love you jimmy Find the clowns there. They need guidance. May his memory be blessed. May Debbie, her children and grandchildren be surrounded by love now.”Eric McCormack also shared a statement. “We lost a giant today, a mentor and a dear friend of mine. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will&Grace… and more. The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by all, and left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for all you have given us. I love you and I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family,” he wrote on Instagram.Scott Eisenogel paid tribute in a note that read, “The world lost a cultural, television icon today – James “Jimmy” Burroughs. Jimmy was a dear friend and I’m incredibly grateful to have had so many fun times with him personally and professionally. Sean and I send his incredible wife Debbie and love and support to our family during this difficult time.”
Remembers Two Broke Girls star James Burrows
Kat Dennings, who worked with Burroughs on 2 Broke Girls, wrote on her Instagram story, “Rip to a real.”His co-star Beth Behrs, who also worked with Burroughs on the pilot episode of CBS’s The Neighborhood, shared some of her favorite memories with the director. “Dear Jimmy, I’ll never forget @katdenningssss and I’m sure you hated us during rehearsals for the pilot of 2 Broke Girls. We walked onto your stage as two fourth graders called the principal’s office and asked you point-blank. I will never forget the belly laugh. ‘Oh girls, of course not,'” she wrote on Instagram.Several Hollywood personalities also mourned Burroughs’ death in social media posts.Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Burroughs 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 numerous episodes of comedy shows like ‘The Bob Newhart Show’, ‘Taxi’, ‘Frasier’, ‘Friends’, ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘Mike & Molly’.He won 11 Emmy Awards, starting with back-to-back comedy directing trophies in 1980 and 1981 for his work on “Taxi.” He has been awarded five Directors Guild of America Awards. In 2015 he was honored with the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award.Burroughs 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.
