U.S. director and tv creator James Burrows, who labored behind the scenes on “Friends,” “Cheers,” “Taxi,” and plenty of different beloved comedies, has died, People journal reported on Friday. He was 85.
“We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” his household mentioned in a press release. The time and place of his loss of life weren’t disclosed.
Burrows gained 11 Emmy awards for excellence in tv and helmed greater than 1,000 episodes of hit applications, working as a director, producer and author.
Burrows was among the many early innovators of the multi-camera sitcom — brief for scenario comedy — when his prolific profession started within the Nineteen Seventies, directing episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Laverne & Shirley” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”
His first Emmy got here for guiding “Taxi,” a groundbreaking comedy starring Danny DeVito, Andy Kaufman and Tony Danza, concerning the tough and tumble workers of a New York City taxicab firm.
He directed 236 episodes and likewise co-created “Cheers” with longtime collaborator James Brooks, in addition to its spin-off “Frasier.” His different hit exhibits embody “The Big Bang Theory,” “Mike & Molly,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Recently, Burrows took a uncommon step in entrance of the digicam and starred as himself in “The Comeback,” reuniting with “Friends” star Lisa Kudrow for a present that pokes enjoyable at life behind the scenes engaged on a sitcom in Hollywood.
“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,” his household mentioned.
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