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James Burrows, director behind "Cheers," "Friends" and "Will & Grace," dies at 85
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Culture/The Apex Times/Jun 20, 8:05 PM EDT

James Burrows, director behind "Cheers," "Friends" and "Will & Grace," dies at 85

The longtime Hollywood director, often called the “King of Sitcoms,” was credited with helming multiple generations of top-rated comedy series and died June 20, 2026, surrounded by family.

2 min readEditor-approved Apex article

James Burrows, the Hollywood director known for shaping popular television comedy, died June 20, 2026, at age 85, according to Fox News. The outlet said he died surrounded by his loving family.

Burrows was widely associated with sitcoms including “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” each of which became a major part of American broadcast and cable television audiences during different eras. His career spanned multiple hit series, earning him a reputation within the television industry for directing comedy at scale.

Fox News described Burrows as the “King of Sitcoms,” a shorthand that reflected both the volume of work attributed to him and the sustained prominence of the shows he directed. In addition to “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” his name has long been linked with the creative style and pacing associated with classic multi-camera sitcom production, the Fox News report said.

While details about his full filmography, awards, and the circumstances of his death were not included in the Fox News account, the report emphasized that he died with family present. The publication framed his passing as the loss of a major creative figure in television comedy direction.

The shows associated with Burrows are among the best-known examples of character-driven, ensemble sitcoms. For many viewers, the series served as recurring family entertainment, with weekly episodes becoming part of household routines and re-run culture.

In the wake of Burrows’ death, television networks, production communities, and audiences are expected to respond through public remembrances and tributes consistent with prior losses of major creative leaders. Any formal statements from studios, networks, or representatives tied directly to Burrows’ credited projects were not included in the Fox News report.

At this stage, the public record reflected in the Fox News item centers on his age, the date of death, and the major comedy series for which he is credited. Additional information about survivors, memorial plans, and a complete retrospective of his work would typically follow through official statements from his family and industry affiliates.

Why It Matters

  • Burrows’ death marks the loss of a high-profile television comedy director whose work is tied to multiple landmark series.
  • Viewers who grew up with “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace” may see renewed attention to reruns and streaming availability as tributes circulate.
  • Television production communities often treat the passing of leading directors as significant for industry memory and professional history.
  • The timing of the announcement on June 20 provides an immediate point for public remembrances while official studio or network statements may follow.

Sources

Key Facts

  • James Burrows died on June 20, 2026, at age 85, Fox News reported.
  • Fox News said Burrows died surrounded by his loving family.
  • Burrows was credited with directing the sitcoms “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “Will & Grace,” according to the report.
  • Fox News described him as the “King of Sitcoms.”
  • The report did not provide additional biographical details or a complete career timeline.