James Burrows, director of classic TV comedies including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85

James Burrows, a prolific director behind beloved TV comedies, died at 85 in Los Angeles, with family confirming he passed away peacefully. Burrows directed more than a thousand episodes across iconic series including Cheers, Taxi, Friends, and Will & Grace, cocreating Cheers and directing 243 of its 273 episodes while helming all 246 Will & Grace episodes. He also oversaw episodes of Frasier, The Big Bang Theory, and pilots for Two and a Half Men. Born December 30, 1940, Burrows began directing at 35 in 1974, shaping modern TV comedy with a focus on script, performance, and human connection.