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James Burrows, director of 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85
By AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 19, 2026
· 5 min read
James Burrows, who helped create volumes of laughter as director of more than a thousand episodes of such classic television comedies as Cheers, Taxi," Friends and Will and Grace, died Friday. He was 85.His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he passed away peacefully toda...
Key takeaway Burrows got his start in television relatively late at age 35 in 1974, directing episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and Laverne & Shirley.
Why this matters in The Detroit
Detroiters who grew up watching classic sitcoms like Cheers and Friends may not have known James Burrows' name, but they certainly knew his work. As a master director of situation comedies, Burrows brought laughter and joy to countless households in the Detroit area. His impact on the television industry is a reminder that the shows we watch and love are often the result of talented individuals working behind the scenes. In a city like Detroit, where community and connection are highly valued, Burrows' commitment to creating comedy that was about humanity, connection, and truth resonates deeply. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of television to bring people together and provide a shared experience. As Detroit continues to evolve and grow, it's worth recognizing the role that figures like Burrows have played in shaping our cultural landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? James Burrows, who helped create volumes of laughter as director of more than a thousand episodes of such classic television comedies as Cheers, Taxi," Friends and Will and Grace, died Friday. He was 85.His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he passed away peacefully toda...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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