James Burroughs, the famous television director who worked on popular sitcoms such as “Friends,” “Will and Grace” and “Two Broke Girls,” has sadly passed away. He was 85 years old.His family confirmed that Burroughs died on Friday, in a statement that said: “We celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of James Jimmy Burroughs, who passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family.”
For more than five decades, Burroughs has been one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor and creative force, he has helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.Burroughs, who spent more than five decades crafting modern sitcoms, was an accomplished director and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in television comedy.
Over the course of his career, he won 11 Emmy Awards and gained a reputation as one of television’s most successful directors.Following news of his death, NBC issued a statement saying: “Jimmy Burroughs was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push, and was an absolute master at getting the most out of every joke. His loss to the world of television comedy is priceless. Every time you put a smile on your face as you watch The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Will & Grace, Friends, and countless others, think of Jimmy and know It made our whole lives more entertaining.
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The actors of the series “Friends” mourn James Burroughs
“Friends” actors David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow took to their social media accounts to mourn his loss.Schwimmer shared two photos of himself with Burroughs and LeBlanc on Instagram and wrote: “Jimmy Burroughs brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and raised the bar of every show he directed, making it funnier and more impactful than anyone expected. His warmth, humility, and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only actors who felt that way.”
He took care of us, on and off camera.
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“I’m sure others are. Fatherly in the best sense of the word: loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, helpful, patient, inspiring, funny — and on my best days, I’d like to think, proud even.” Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network executives are forever blessed to be on the right stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent.
Jimmy, I already miss you and I am forever grateful to you.
Thank you for being a great boss, mentor and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the entire family. X shoim.”LeBlanc mourned Burroughs’ loss, writing: “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact you had on us and on everyone who was lucky enough to know you. You, sir, are a true icon on so many levels. I wish you the best in your next work.”
We will miss you. god bless.”
Lisa Kudrow, who starred alongside Burroughs on The Comeback, shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the two of them from the third and final season of the HBO series. “Thank you Jamie. I mean, for everything…” she wrote on her Instagram Story.‘Will & Grace’ stars mourn his death“James Burroughs was a legend. An icon. A unique and revolutionary talent in television,” actress Debra Messing wrote. “James Burroughs was a legend. An icon. A unique and revolutionary talent in television.”
He has brought laughter and love into more homes globally than any other television director in history. For me it was Jimmy. For my son, he was Papa Jimmy. I cannot express the pain of his loss, and I know that goes for everyone who was lucky enough to love him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but burst into laughter when he staged comedic moments.
I wanted his laugh more than anything else. He loved and trusted his actors (a rarity in television comedy).
He let us play and explore and fail miserably, always saw the gem in what was going on, and like a professional bandleader, taught us how to play music. He was calm and serious, but also very committed to finishing training so he could spend his time playing. He loved talent. He was happy about that. Everyone who let him into his field felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, and always will be a family. Each cast member, who had the rare privilege of directing him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his own children.
Today we lost our TV father. I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns there. They need guidance. May his memory be a blessing. I hope Debbie, his children and grandchildren are surrounded by love now.”
Eric McCormack also shared a statement. “We lost a giant today, a mentor of mine and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every episode of #Will&Grace… and pretty much everything else. The 800-pound gorilla of TV comedy for fifty years, was beloved by all, and left not a mark but a mark.”
Incredible legacy. Jamie, thank you for everything you do for us. I love you. “Sending so much love to Debbie and your entire beautiful family,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The world lost a cultural and television icon today – James “Jimmy” Burroughs. Jimmy was a dear friend and I am so grateful to have spent so many enjoyable times with him personally and professionally. Sean and I send his wonderful wife Debbie and his loving family all of our love and support during this difficult time,” Scott Icenogle paid tribute in a note that said: “The world lost a cultural and television icon today – James “Jimmy” Burroughs.
Two Broke Girls stars remember James Burroughs
“Rest in peace true story,” Kat Dennings, who worked with Burroughs on 2 Broke Girls, wrote on her Instagram Story.
Her co-star Beth Pierce, who also worked with Burroughs on the pilot episode of CBS’ The Neighborhood, shared some of her favorite memories with the director. “Dear Jimmy, I will never forget @katdenningsss and I became completely convinced that you hated us during rehearsals for the 2 Broke Girls pilot. We came up to your stage like two 4th graders who got called into the principal’s office and asked you point blank.
I will never forget the belly laugh. “Girls, of course not,” she wrote on Instagram.Many other Hollywood figures also mourned Burroughs’ death in social media posts.
Throughout his career spanning more than five decades, Burroughs left an indelible mark on television comedy, helping to create and shape shows that entertained millions of viewers around the world. He has directed more than 50 television pilots and co-created the television series “Cheers.”
He is best known for directing many episodes of comedy shows such as “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace,” and “Mike & Molly.”He has won 11 Emmy Awards, starting with back-to-back comedy directing awards in 1980 and 1981 for his work on “Taxi.” He has also been honored with five Directors Guild of America Awards. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America in 2015.Burroughs was married to Linda Solomon from 1981 to 1993. He leaves behind his second wife, Debbie Easton, whom he married in 1997, and three children from his first marriage.