‘Cheers’ Co-Creator James Burrows Dead at 85

One of the most influential and importnant names in the history of the television sitcom has gone. A man who helped define what made us laugh for 22 minutes every evening, and to whom we owe millions of hours of laughter. James Burrows, the legendary director and Cheers co-creator whose work stretched across more than 50 years of sitcom history, has died at the age of 85. Burrows passed away in his sleep on June 19 following a brief illness.

Burrows was known for his work on so many legendary sitcoms, from Taxi and Cheers to Friends, Frasier, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory. His work became part of the blueprint for how some of TV’s biggest comedies introduced characters, built casts, and found their groove.

“Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium,” Burrows’ longtime agent Rick Rosen said. “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”