Legendary US director James Burrows, who helmed Cheers, Will and Grace and Friends has died.
Legendary US director James Burrows, who helmed Cheers, Will & Grace and Friends has died, aged 85.
“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” family said in a statement.
“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.”
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards. He directed all but one episode of Will & Grace, plus multiple episodes of Cheers, Friends, Taxi, Wings, Mike & Molly, Crowded, Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows attended the graduate programme of the Yale School of Drama, where he got his first experience of directing.
After several years behind the camera, he co-created Cheers alongside the brothers Glen and Les Charles.
In 2016 screened an All-Star Tribute to James Burrows which included five Friends cast members re-united: David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and Courtney Cox.
Eric McCormack, (Will & Grace) said Burrows left “an incredible legacy”.
“The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint,” he wrote.
Source: BBC