James Burrows, legendary director of Cheers and Friends, dies aged 85

American television titan James Burrows, co‑creator of the 1980s hit Cheers and a prolific director of classics such as Friends, Big Bang Theory and Will and Grace, has died at 85.

Burrows’ 50‑year career earned him 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America accolades, and he was nominated 48 times for Primetime Emmys.

Friends star Lisa Kudrow, Will & Grace star Eric McCormack and NBC executive tribute hailed him as the “800‑lb gorilla” of comedy.

Burrows co‑created Cheers with brothers Glen and Les Charles. The show quickly became an American TV hit and later spawned a successful UK series.

He directed more than 1,000 episodes of sitcoms over five decades, and his work spanned everything from The Big Bang Theory to Will and Grace.

An obituary from People quoted Burrows’ family: “We celebrated his extraordinary life and legacy. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family.”

The Directors Guild of America, which honored Burrows with a lifetime achievement award in 2015, described him as an “incredibly generous colleague” and praised his wisdom and warm humor.

Actor Eric McCormack released a tribute saying Burrows left an “incredible legacy” and “a footprint” for the industry.

Lisa Kudrow wrote on Instagram: “Thank you, Jimmy. I mean, for everything…” and recalled playing the role of “softee” who mouthed her own laughter by the set.

A spokesperson for NBC praised Burrows as “the man behind the curtain” whose loss would be “immeasurable” to television and comedy.

Fans and creators alike mourn the impact of Burrows’ vast career, which spanned a span of 50 years and had an indelible influence on the American sitcom genre.