James Burrows remembered by ‘Friends’ and ‘Will & Grace’ casts after legendary career

The stars of Friends and Will & Grace are honoring legendary television director James “Jimmy” Burrows following his death at the age of 85.

Burrows, whose career included some of television’s most beloved sitcoms, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released to People.

Known for directing episodes of iconic shows including Friends, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Two and a Half Men, Mike & Molly and The Big Bang Theory, Burrows became one of the most influential figures in television comedy.

Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on Friends, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.

“Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you,” LeBlanc wrote.

“You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”

David Schwimmer also remembered Burrows as a director who brought out the best in performers.

“Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected,” Schwimmer wrote.

The actor praised Burrows’ kindness, saying he made casts feel supported both on and off camera.

“His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family,” Schwimmer added.

Lisa Kudrow, who worked with Burrows on The Comeback, also shared a tribute alongside a photo from their time on set together.

The Will & Grace cast also paid their respects, with Debra Messing, Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes honoring the director’s impact.

Messing described Burrows as a “singular talent” who transformed television comedy and praised the trust he placed in actors.

“To me, he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy,” she wrote.

Messing added that Burrows created an environment where performers could experiment and grow, calling him a mentor who felt like family.

“Today, we lost our TV dad,” she wrote.

Throughout his more than five-decade career, Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes of television and earned 11 Emmy Awards. 

He was widely recognized for helping define the modern sitcom style.

His family celebrated his legacy in a statement, describing him as a “legendary director, mentor, and creative force” who brought joy to audiences around the world.

“Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” the statement read.

The family noted that he helped shape some of the most recognizable comedy series ever created, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace and The Big Bang Theory.

Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie Burrows, his four daughters and seven grandchildren. 

He was previously married to Linda Solomon, with whom he shared three children before their divorce in 1993.