One of the most important directors in the television industry in the United States, and who was behind global hits such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, cheers and Two and a half mendied on June 19 at the age of 85. After the announcement of his death, personalities from the entertainment world sent farewell messages to the television director.
Known for working on more than a thousand episodes of different sitcoms or television comedies, James Burrows became a benchmark in television comedy thanks to his direction and creativity.
Through a statement it was announced that the television director had died “peacefully and surrounded by his loving family.” Although information about the cause of his death was omitted, the statement highlights his five decades of work, during which he helped shape television comedy.
Although his studies were oriented toward acting and he completed a master’s degree at the Yale School of Drama, which launched his career in theater, it was in 1974 when he entered the small screen by directing an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
His talent led him to continue in the arts, but this time from directing, which led him to direct episodes of The Bob Newhart Show, Rhoda, Laverne & Shirley and Taxihighlights the magazine Hello.
It was in the series Taxi where James Burrows established himself as a director by participating in more than 70 episodes, which earned him various Emmy awards. In the 1980s, the director took another step in his career by co-creating the series cheersconsidered one of the greatest international successes of television comedy.
This series led Burrows to direct 243 episodes and established him as one of the “masters of comedy,” he highlights. Hello. His success led him to join the renowned series Friendsin addition to directing episodes of productions such as Two and a half men, Will & Grace, The Big Bang Theory and Frasier.
James Burrows accumulated 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild Awards, highlights the magazine, which highlights how his work consolidated him as one of the great references of the sitcoms.
Remembered for her role as Phoebe, Lisa Kudrow shared a photo with the television director in honor of his death. (Social media photo: @lisa Kudrow)
Personalities say goodbye to James Burrows
After working with great comedy figures and being part of their television training, James Burrows left a legacy among those who shared the recording sets with him. Several personalities said goodbye to him with messages of affection.
Matt LeBlanc, known for his role as Joey in Friendsshared: “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 many levels. Good wishes on your next act. You will be missed. God bless you.”
David Schwimmer, who played Ross, also said goodbye to the director with the message: “He brought out the best in every actor he worked with and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected. Jimmy, I miss you already and I will be forever grateful. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend.”
Actress Jennifer Aniston also joined the farewell messages by expressing: “There are decisive moments in the world of half-hour comedy, and working with Jimmy Burrows is one of the ones I always dreamed of.”