Overview
- Burrows's family confirmed in a statement to People that he died peacefully at age 85 on Friday, June 19, 2026.
- The family called him a beloved creative force and mentor whose work brought joy to global audiences over more than five decades.
- He co-created Cheers, directed every episode of Will & Grace and helped develop early episodes of Friends while also directing series including The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and Mike & Molly.
- Over his career Burrows earned 47 Emmy nominations and won 11 Emmys, a record that outlets such as The New York Times used to compare his influence to a leading film auteur.
- Burrows was known for his skill with actors and for mentoring crews and casts, and his death is likely to prompt widespread industry tributes and renewed attention to the craft of modern sitcom directing.