With the death of James Burrows, stars of the most beloved sitcoms are mourning the loss of the multi-cam medium’s most decorated director.
Following Burrows’ death at age 85, Jennifer Aniston paid tribute to the “father figure” who directed 15 episodes of the hit NBC series in which she starred as Rachel Green, including the pilot and most of the first season, as her co-stars also mourned the loss.
“Oh boy… Papa Burrows. The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs,” she wrote on Instagram. “He called us his ‘kids’ — ‘Where are the kids?’ ’Let’s see if the kids can make the joke work.’ No pressure.
“His own incredible children were generous enough to share him with all of us who were lucky enough to experience his unicorn presence. He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me. He worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten.”
Watch on Deadline
Aniston added, “Most of all, he taught us—the kids—how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that. I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance. Wherever you are, I hope someone is asking, ‘Where are the kids?’”
Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller, wrote on Instagram, “Jimmy B called me Cox-N-Hammer. I have no idea why or what it means, but I just went with it ’cause he was Jimmy Burrows. He always referred to us as ‘the kids’… he took the cast under his wing and taught us everything we needed to know — whether through his direction, or telling us how things in our lives were gonna unfold — never sugar-coating anything and he was always right.
“I would beg him to make more time to direct us, but so did all of his other shows, because everything was better when he was around. You felt safe and confident and man, what a blast we had!
“I’m not sure how someone with that much talent, wisdom, and adoration could be so egoless. Making anything the best it could be was all that mattered to Jimmy… well, that and his wonderful kids and his beautiful wife, Debbie. I so loved watching them fall in love. I will miss you so much Jimmy… the joy and laughter you brought to everyone who knew you. How much you cared… but I know your light will always be shining on us,” added Cox.
Phoebe Buffay actress Lisa Kudrow shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the two of them from the recent third and final season of The Comeback, in which he played himself. “Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything…” she wrote on her Instagram Story.
David Schwimmer, the actor known for his role as Ross Geller, penned a touching tribute. “Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected,” he started on Instagram.
“His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off. He became another father figure for me, and I’m sure others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful—and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud.
“Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent,” added Schwimmer. “Jimmy, I miss you already and I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the entire family. x Schwim”
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani, shared a selfie with Burrows with a statement. “Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you. You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless,” he wrote on Instagram.
Burrows died in his sleep on Friday morning after a brief illness. During his storied career, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of some of TV’s most iconic sitcoms, including Cheers, which he co-created, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Frasier, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, Will & Grace and Mid-Century Modern.
