\n\t\t\t\t\tLegendary US director James Burrows, who helmed Cheers, Will and Grace and Friends has died.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Legendary US director James Burrows, who helmed Cheers, Will & Grace and Friends has died, aged 85.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,\u201d family said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
After several years behind the camera, he co-created Cheers alongside the brothers Glen and Les Charles.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Eric McCormack, (Will & Grace) said Burrows left \u201can incredible legacy\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n