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Jennifer Aniston has joined her former castmates in paying tribute to longtime Friends director James Burrows, who died Friday aged 85.
“Papa Burrows. The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs,” Aniston shared on Instagram Saturday alongside photos of Burrows with the Friends cast.
“He called us his kids — ‘where are the kids?,’ ’let’s see if the kids can make the joke work,’ no pressure.
“His own incredible children were generous enough to share him with all of us who were lucky enough to experience his unicorn presence.
“He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me. He worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten.
Jennifer Aniston (L) and director James Burrows pose in the audience during the 33rd Annual People’s Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 9, 2007 (Getty)
“Most of all, he taught us — the kids — how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what, and we did just that.
“I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance.”
Hailed by many as the master of the modern sitcom, Burrows co-created the beloved 1980s comedy Cheers, directed 75 episodes of Taxi, and oversaw every episode of Will & Grace throughout its original run and revival, from 1998 to 2020.
He won 11 Emmy Awards over a career spanning more than 50 years.
Schwimmer, 59, who played Ross Geller in Friends, shared Aniston’s sentiments in a tribute of his own.
He added: “Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected.
“His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off.
“He became another father figure for me, and I’m sure others.
“Paternal in the best sense of the word, loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful — and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud.”
James Burrows (pictured in LA in 2025) died at the age of 85, his family announced on Friday (Getty)
He added that he was already missing the director, to whom he said he would be “forever grateful.” The social media post was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of Chandler Bing actor Matthew Perry alongside Burrows and Matt LeBlanc.
LeBlanc, 58, who played Joey Tribbiani in Friends, added: “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you.
“You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God bless.”
LeBlanc’s post was accompanied by a picture of him and Burrows at Wembley Stadium in London.
Kudrow, 62, who played Phoebe Buffay in Friends, posted a picture of herself with Burrows next to his director’s chair on her Instagram Story.
In a statement announcing his death, shared with People, Burrows’ family said: “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.
“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.”