James Burrows, the director and co-creator of the legendary sitcom “Cheers,” died peacefully at the age of 85 surrounded by his family, according to U.S. media reports and a statement from his family. Attorney Tom Hoberman confirmed Burrows’ death “with great sadness” to CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner.
In a statement shared with People magazine, 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,” the statement continued.
Burrows is best known as the co-creator of “Cheers,” the long-running NBC sitcom set in a Boston bar that became a cultural touchstone and launched the careers of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Kelsey Grammer. He went on to direct pilot episodes and hundreds of episodes of other hit shows, including “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Will & Grace.”
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, cementing his reputation as one of the most prolific and admired directors in television. He directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, an extraordinary output that reflected both his skill and his enduring influence on the medium.