AceShowbiz - James Burrows, the iconic television director and co-creator of the hit series Cheers, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.

Throughout a remarkable career spanning over five decades, Burrows was instrumental in shaping some of the most beloved TV comedies in history. His work included directing and producing groundbreaking series such as Cheers, Taxi, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory, among many others.

The family of Burrows released a statement honoring his legacy, emphasizing his role as a pioneering director who influenced generations of comedy writers and performers. Over the course of his career, he directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, helping to create some of the medium’s most enduring and iconic series.

Beyond his technical skill and creative vision, Burrows was remembered for his kindness and generosity. He was known for his unique ability to make everyone he worked with feel valued and appreciated, often remembering colleagues by name and fostering a collaborative environment on set.

Burrows began his directing career with four episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He then directed episodes of other classic shows including The Bob Newhart Show, Laverne & Shirley, Rhoda, and The Betty White Show, establishing himself early on as a reliable and talented director in television comedy.

His prolific output included directing 246 episodes of Will & Grace, 236 episodes of Cheers, 75 episodes of Taxi, 49 episodes of Mike & Molly, 36 episodes of Frasier, and 15 episodes of Friends. In many cases, he also served as executive producer, overseeing shows such as Cheers, Will & Grace, Mid-Century Modern, Man With a Plan, and Back to You.

Among his notable achievements was his work directing pilots for several hit series, including Taxi, Cheers, Two and a Half Men, and 3rd Rock From the Sun. His ability to establish tone and chemistry among cast members was key to the success and longevity of these series.

A statement from NBC highlighted Burrows’s mastery behind the camera, noting that he knew exactly how to bring out the best comedic performances and craft moments that delighted audiences for decades. His influence on television comedy is considered immeasurable, touching countless shows and viewers alike.

Throughout his career, Burrows earned a total of 48 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning 11 times. His first Emmy came in 1980 for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for Taxi, followed by another win in the same category the next year. He also won six Emmys for Cheers, including awards for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Comedy Series. His most recent Emmy win was in 2020 for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times".

In addition to his Emmy honors, Burrows was inducted into the 17th Television Academy Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the industry and his peers.

The legacy of James Burrows will continue to resonate through the many iconic television moments he helped bring to life and the generations of comedy professionals he inspired over his unparalleled career.

This article is based on reporting originally published by TVLine.