James Burrows

James Burrows

James Burrows was born on December 30th, 1940 and is currently 84 years old. James Burrows was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. Burrows attended Oberlin College where they received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Yale UniversityM where they received a Master of Fine Arts degree.

James Burrows, also known as Jim or Jimmy Burrows, is an American television director. He has won many awards, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards. In 2015, he received the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2016, NBC honored him with a special called Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows.

Burrows began his career in 1974 with The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He has directed over 50 television pilots and co-created the iconic show Cheers (1982–1993). Burrows also started 3 Sisters Entertainment, a partnership with NBC. He is well-known for directing many episodes of popular comedy shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Additionally, Burrows executive produced the Emmy-winning ABC specials Live in Front of a Studio Audience, which included revivals of classic shows such as All in the Family and The Jeffersons (2019), All in the Family and Good Times (2019), and The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes (2021). He also directed episodes for the revivals of Will & Grace (2017–2020) and Frasier (2023–2024) on Paramount+.

Directed by James Burrows is a captivating memoir by the legendary sitcom director who helped shape some of the most beloved television shows of all time. Burrows offers readers an insightful and nostalgic look at the behind-the-scenes moments of these iconic series, shedding light on the process of creating, casting, and developing successful sitcoms.

With five decades of experience making America laugh, Burrows shares never-before-revealed stories about the casting of stars like Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston, and many more. He takes us through the journey of how these unforgettable shows came to life and how they continued to evolve over time. The book also delves into Burrows’ own personal and professional challenges, victories, and defeats, offering valuable advice for aspiring directors, writers, and actors.

Burrows traces his roots back to his childhood and early adulthood, inspired by his father, the renowned playwright and Broadway director Abe Burrows. He describes how his strong work ethic was developed through his theater experience, eventually leading to his transition into television. Burrows’ career took off with his role in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, followed by his major work on Taxi, where he formed a creative partnership with writers Glen and Les Charles. This collaboration ultimately paved the way for his groundbreaking work on Cheers, a project that allowed him to have full creative control.

Having directed over seventy-five pilots and more than a thousand episodes, Burrows holds the record for the most episodes directed by any one person in television history. Directed by James Burrows is not only a memoir but also a masterclass in sitcom directing, offering a heartfelt and inspiring look at the art of making people laugh.

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James Burrows: F.A.Q