James Burrows, veteran director behind Friends and Cheers, dies at 85

Washington: James Burrows, the US television director and producer whose work helped define some of the most successful American sitcoms of the past five decades, has died at the age of 85, according to People magazine.

His family announced his death in a statement, saying he passed away peacefully while surrounded by relatives. The statement did not disclose where or when he died.

Burrows built a long career in television as a director, producer and writer, earning 11 Emmy Awards and overseeing more than 1,000 episodes of hit comedy series. He became closely associated with the development of the multi-camera sitcom format and was regarded as one of the genre’s most influential creative figures.

He began making his mark in the 1970s, directing episodes of shows including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Laverne & Shirley and The Bob Newhart Show. His first Emmy came for directing Taxi, the comedy centred on employees of a New York City taxi company and featuring Danny DeVito, Andy Kaufman and Tony Danza.

Burrows went on to direct 236 episodes of Cheers and also co-created the series with longtime collaborator James Brooks, as well as its spin-off Frasier. Over the years, his credits also included Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

In more recent years, he appeared on screen as himself in The Comeback, where he reunited with Friends actor Lisa Kudrow in a satire about the behind-the-scenes workings of a Hollywood sitcom.

His family paid tribute to his contribution to television in their statement.

“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James 'Jimmy' Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family”, he stated.

In a further tribute, the family said Burrows had remained a central figure in television comedy for more than 50 years.

“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”, he added.