James Burrows, co-creator of ‘Cheers’ and director of ‘Will & Grace,’ dies at 85

BREAKING NEWSJun. 19, 2026, 8:03 PM UTCPop Culture NewsPop Culture NewsJames Burrows, co-creator of ‘Cheers’ and director of ‘Will & Grace,’ dies at 85Burrows won multiple Emmy awards and also directed episodes of “Friends,” “Frasier” and “The Mary Tyler Moore” show. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00James Burrows, center, with Ted Danson and Shelley Long on the set of "Cheers."NBCShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Alicia Victoria LozanoJames Burrows, a major force in television comedy who co-created “Cheers” and directed every episode of the first run of “Will and Grace,” has died, his attorney told NBC News. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.He was 85. His formidable career spanned entire generations of television viewers, including work on some of the biggest shows from the 1970s through the 1990s. Burrows helmed some of the biggest shows in sitcom history, including “Friends,” “Frasier,” “Taxi” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where got his start in 1974.Mostly recently, he appeared alongside “Friends” alum Lisa Kudrow in the “Comeback” on HBO Max.His numerous accolades include 11 Primetime Emmys and five Directors Guild of America awards.Burrows was born in Los Angeles into a creative family that had already cemented its hold on the entertainment industry. His father, writer and composer Abe Burrows, co-wrote “Guys and Dolls” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” People reported. He attended the High School of Music & Art in New York after his family relocated to the East Coast and graduated from Oberlin College before receiving a master’s degree from Yale School of Drama.James Burrows, front center, on the set of "Will and Grace." NBCThis is a developing story. Please check back for updates.ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleAlicia Victoria LozanoAlicia Victoria Lozano is a California-based reporter for NBC News focusing on climate change, wildfires...