James Burrows

Date of Birth: December 30, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

James Edward Burrows, commonly known as James Burrows, is an acclaimed American television director, known for his pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American sitcoms. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, his father, Abe Burrows, was a famed playwright and director, which influenced James’ early interest in television and theater. Burrows began his career in the late 1960s, and over the decades, he has directed some of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, including “Cheers,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Big Bang Theory.” His work is characterized by his keen sense of comedic timing and his ability to bring out the best performances from his actors. He is often credited with revolutionizing the multi-camera sitcom format, making him one of the most respected directors in the industry.

5 Interesting Facts about James Burrows

1. James Burrows co-created the sitcom “Cheers” and directed 243 of its 275 episodes.

2. He has won 10 Emmy Awards, and has been nominated for numerous others throughout his career.

3. Burrows directed the pilot episodes of several successful TV shows, including “Friends,” “Frasier,” and “Will & Grace.”

4. He is one of the few directors to have a theater named after him; in 2016, the Stage 25 at Warner Bros. Studio was renamed the “James Burrows Stage.”

5. James Burrows has directed episodes of more than 50 different television series.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Burrows

1. “A lot of times the writers will talk to me about something, and I’ll say, ‘Let the actors do it.’ Actors can solve 90% of your problems.”

2. “The best kind of comedy is when you can have heart in it. When people care about the characters, they laugh harder.”

3. “Directing is not about you; it’s about the actors and the script.”

4. “I always say that sitcoms are like jazz: it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”

5. “If you treat actors like human beings, they’ll give you the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James Burrows has achieved a highest net worth of approximately $600 million.

Children

James Burrows has three daughters: Molly, Laurie, and Betsy Burrows. His children have generally stayed out of the public eye, but they have occasionally been seen at industry events alongside their father.