Legendary sitcom director James Burrows dies at 85

James “Jimmy” Burrows, the acclaimed television director behind some of America’s most beloved sitcoms, including Friends and The Big Bang Theory, has died at the age of 85. 

Burrows shaped modern television comedy during a career spanning more than five decades. He won 11 Emmy Awards and directed more than 1,000 television episodes, making him one of the most successful sitcom directors in history. 

He helped pioneer the multi-camera sitcom format, directing classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Frasier, Mike & Molly, and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

His first Emmy came for directing Taxi, while he also co-created Cheers, one of television’s most celebrated comedies.