James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator And ‘Friends’ Director, Dies At 85
Key takeaways
- Hollywood & Entertainment James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator And ‘Friends’ Director, Dies At 85By Tim Lammers,
- Burrows died in his sleep early Friday after a brief illness, according to Deadline.
- “Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium,” Burrows’ longtime agent Rick Rosen told Deadline. “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations.
Hollywood & Entertainment James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator And ‘Friends’ Director, Dies At 85By Tim Lammers,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover Hollywood and entertainment.Follow Author Jun 19, 2026, 03:57pm EDTJun 19, 2026, 04:53pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: James Burrows attends a conversation David Schwimmer at The 92nd Street Y, New York on June 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)Getty ImagesJames Burrows, a multiple Emmy winner who co-created the classic sitcom Cheers and directed several episodes of Friends, Frasier, Will & Grace and dozens of other hit series, has died.
Burrows died in his sleep early Friday after a brief illness, according to Deadline. He was 85.