'Will & Grace' cast honours James Burrows after his passing

Will & Grace's cast has paid heartfelt tribute to James Burrows following the legendary television director’s death at the age of 85.

Burrows, who directed all 246 episodes of the hit NBC sitcom across its original run and revival, was remembered by cast members as a mentor, friend and guiding force behind the series’ success, People reported.

Eric McCormack, who starred as Will Truman, was among the first to honour Burrows publicly.

"We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend," McCormack wrote on Instagram. "The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint."

He added: "Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us."

Debra Messing Says Burrows ‘Changed My Life’

Debra Messing, who played Grace Adler throughout the show's 11 seasons, shared an emotional tribute reflecting on their decades-long friendship and collaboration.

"Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since," she wrote on Instagram.

Messing described Burrows as a director who trusted his actors and encouraged creative exploration.

"He loved and trusted his actors," she said. "He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening."

The actress added that the cast considered Burrows family and likened him to a parental figure.

"Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade felt like one of his kids," she wrote. "And today, we lost our TV dad."

Co-Stars Reflect on Burrows’ Lasting Influence

Megan Mullally, who portrayed Karen Walker, said Burrows’ death marked the end of an era in television comedy.

"Jimmy was really the master of an entire genre of comedy," she said. "I learned so much about comedy from him."

Sean Hayes, who played Jack McFarland, also joined the tributes by sharing a message posted by his husband, Scott Icenogle, who remembered Burrows as a "cultural, television icon" and a close friend.

Actor Tim Bagley, who appeared on Will & Grace and later worked with Burrows on The Comeback, recalled the director’s generosity and instinct for comedy.

"He had a clear vision and just knew how to make things funny," Bagley said.

A Television Legacy

Burrows earned 12 Emmy nominations for his work on Will & Grace and helped guide the sitcom through both its original run and revival.

In a 2023 interview with Conan O’Brien, Burrows described Will & Grace as "probably the funniest show I ever did."

He praised the cast and the show's writing, calling it a television fairytale and highlighting its consistently strong comedy.

Burrows leaves behind one of the most influential careers in television history, with the stars of Will & Grace among the many performers crediting him for shaping their careers and lives.