James Burrows dies at 85 : NPR

Key Points:

• James Burrows, a pioneering television director known for his work on iconic sitcoms such as "Cheers," "Taxi," "Friends," and "Will and Grace," died at age 85, with his family confirming his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones.
• Burrows directed over a thousand episodes, including 243 of 273 episodes of "Cheers" and all 246 episodes of "Will and Grace," and was instrumental in shaping modern sitcoms by focusing on character chemistry and authentic humor.
• Beginning his TV directing career at age 35, Burrows worked on classic shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Laverne & Shirley," and directed pilots for major series including "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory."
• Known for his kindness and generosity, Burrows was celebrated by colleagues for his ability to elevate performances and make everyone feel valued, leaving a lasting impact on the television industry and those who worked with him.
• Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Burrows was the son of Broadway writer and director Abe Burrows, studied drama at Yale, and had a long career that bridged theater and television, mentoring new talent and influencing sitcom direction techniques.