Friends and Will and Grace Stars pay tribute to James Burrows
Friends stars Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow have paid tribute to acclaimed television director James Burrows, following his death at the age of 85.
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Friends stars Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow have paid tribute to James Burrows, following his death.The acclaimed television director – whose credits included Friends, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will and Grace, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Two and a Half Men, Mike and Molly and The Big Bang Theory – passed away on Friday (19.06.26) at the age of 85.Friends star Matt LeBlanc wrote on Instagram: "Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you."You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless."His co-star David Schwimmer shared: "Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I'm sure we weren't the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off."Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful - and on my best days, I'd like to think, even proud. Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent. Jimmy, I miss you already and I'm forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend."And, Lisa Kudrow, who also worked with Burrows on The Comeback, posted a picture of them on set together.Will Grace stars Debra Messing, Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes also paid tribute after Burrows’ death.Messing wrote: "A singular talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history. To me, he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy."I can't express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music.“Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad. I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns up there. They need direction.”Known throughout the television industry as “Jimmy”, the TV mogul passed away peacefully this week surrounded by family, according to a statement released to PEOPLE.Across a career spanning more than five decades, James directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and became one of the most influential creative figures in comedy.He won 11 Emmy Awards and was widely credited with helping shape the modern sitcom format.His family said: “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.“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.“Over the course of his unparalleled career, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic series ever produced, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will and Grace, and The Big Bang Theory, among many others.”James is survived by his wife Debbie Burrows, his four daughters and seven grandchildren. He was previously married to Linda Solomon, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1993.His family concluded: “Above all else, Burrows was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, his four daughters, and his seven grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.”
