'Friends,' 'Cheers,' 'Will & Grace' director James Burrows dies at 85

June 19 (UPI) -- Prolific television director James Burrows died Friday, People and CBS News reported. He was 85.

People was the first to confirm with Burrows' family, who said in a statement he died "peacefully today surrounded by his loving family." CBS confirmed with attorney Tom Hoberman.

Burrows directed the pilot episode of many long-running TV shows, including Taxi, Cheers, Wings, Friends, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Frasier, Rock, NewsRadio, Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, The Neighborhood and more.

He directed every episode of Will & Grace, including its revival. Prior to launching premiere episodes, Burrows also directed episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoffs Lou Grant and Rhoda,Laverne & Shirley, The Bob Newhart Show and more.

His last credit was the 10-episode Mid-Century Modern on Hulu, re-teaming him with Will & Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. Burrows co-created Cheers and its short-lived spinoff The Tortellis.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 4:42 PM.