James Burrows, the iconic television director and co-creator of the legendary sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 85. His family confirmed he died peacefully on Friday, June 19, surrounded by loved ones.
An 11-time Emmy winner, Burrows leaves behind a massive legacy, having directed over 1,000 episodes for acclaimed series including Friends, Taxi, Will & Grace, and The Big Bang Theory. His career spanned five decades, with his final projects including the Frasier revival and the 2025 comedy series Mid-Century Modern.