LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — James Burrows, the acclaimed television director and co-creator of the landmark sitcom “Cheers,” has died at the age of 85. He passed away on June 19, 2026, according to a statement released by his family.
Burrows was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American television comedy, with a career spanning more than five decades and an extraordinary body of work that helped define modern sitcom storytelling.
Throughout his career, he contributed to and directed episodes of some of television’s most iconic series, including “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Big Bang Theory.” He also played a key role as co-creator of “Cheers,” a show that became a cultural touchstone and one of the most celebrated sitcoms in television history.
Burrows was especially recognized for his directing work on “Will & Grace,” where he guided the entire original run of the series, helping shape its tone, comedic timing, and ensemble performances.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows was influenced early on by his father, writer and composer Abe Burrows. He later pursued drama and entered the entertainment industry, where he developed a reputation for precision, storytelling instinct, and an exceptional ability to bring out strong performances from cast ensembles.
Over the course of his career, Burrows directed more than 1,000 television episodes and received numerous accolades, including 11 Emmy Awards. Industry colleagues often described him as both a master of comedic timing and a generous mentor who helped shape generations of actors, writers, and directors.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is remembered as a devoted family man. Burrows is survived by his wife Debbie, his four daughters, and seven grandchildren.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment industry, James Burrows is being celebrated as a creative pioneer whose influence helped define the golden age of television comedy. His legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he helped bring to life.
May he rest in peace.