James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ co-creator and TV director, dies at 85

James Burrows, who was a co-creator of the iconic sitcom "Cheers" and directed several hit TV shows, has died at 85.

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James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ co-creator and TV director who worked on ‘Frasier’ and ‘Will & Grace,’ dies at 85

Updated: 3:10 PM CDT Jun 19, 2026

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James Burrows, who was a co-creator of the iconic sitcom “Cheers” and directed several hit TV shows, has died at 85.Burrows directed several hit TV shows, including “Frasier,” “Will & Grace” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Other TV shows he was involved with included “Friends” and “Taxi.”His family and his attorney confirmed his death to several media outlets.”We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” his family shared in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday. “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.”Burrows was an 11-time Emmy Award winner, most recently winning an Emmy in 2020, CBS News reported. The outlet reported that he also directed more than 1,000 TV episodes over the span of his career.

James Burrows, who was a co-creator of the iconic sitcom “Cheers” and directed several hit TV shows, has died at 85.

Burrows directed several hit TV shows, including “Frasier,” “Will & Grace” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Other TV shows he was involved with included “Friends” and “Taxi.”

His family and his attorney confirmed his death to several media outlets.

Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

James Burrows attends the Television Academy’s 25th Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Saban Media Center on January 28, 2020, in North Hollywood, California.

“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” his family shared in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday. “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.”

Burrows was an 11-time Emmy Award winner, most recently winning an Emmy in 2020, CBS News reported. The outlet reported that he also directed more than 1,000 TV episodes over the span of his career.