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Jennifer Aniston Pays Tribute to ‘Father Figure’ James Burrows After TV Icon’s Death

Burrows directed 10,000 episodes across hit sitcoms, shaping the ensemble style that defined network comedy for decades.

  • On Friday, legendary television director James Burrows died at age 85. Burrows co-created the classic sitcom "Cheers" and directed more than 1,000 episodes of iconic television comedies.
  • Known for his work on hit series like "Taxi," "Friends," and "Will and Grace," Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards throughout his career. His shows defined NBC's "Must See TV" lineup in the 1990s.
  • Burrows believed the best comedy reached the "sweet spot where the best script meets the best performance." He focused on fostering a community on set, training actors to behave as a group.
  • In a statement, his family celebrated his "extraordinary life and enduring legacy." Former "Friends" stars Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Aniston paid tribute, with LeBlanc saying Burrows "brought out the best in every actor."
  • Honored by NBC in 2016 for directing his 1,000th episode, Burrows leaves an immeasurable impact on television comedy. His ability to create relatable family dynamics ensures his shows remain staples of modern viewing.
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The global art scene and the American television industry have lost one of their most prominent giants and creators of joy, the esteemed director and producer James Burrows, who passed away at the age of eighty-five, leaving behind a creative legacy that spanned more than five decades, during which he shaped the conscience of modern television comedy and established its contemporary artistic standards...

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With more than 1,000 episodes behind the camera, James Burrow's cult series, such as "Friends", "Cheers" and "Will & Grace" – now the legendary sitcom director died at the age of 85.

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Through a moving post on networks, Jennifer Aniston reminded James Burrows and how she pampered them in Friends. “She was a father figure to me. He always looked at me. She cared about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me and held me at the most difficult and the best moments. She spoiled us a lot.” Jennifer Aniston With her message, the actress joined in the sad reactions that left James Burrows’ death at 85 years of age. So Jennifer Aniston…

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hauterrfly.com broke the news on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
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