James Burrows, a visionary in television situation comedy, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. Known for his work as a creator of ‘Cheers’ and for directing over 1,000 episodes of iconic TV shows, Burrows left an indelible mark on entertainment. Some of the shows he directed include ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ ‘The Bob Newhart Show,’ ‘Taxi,’ ‘Frasier,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory.’

Rick Rosen, Burrows’ agent, confirmed his death. No specific details about the location or cause of death were disclosed.

Burrows earned significant acclaim as the ‘Steven Spielberg of sitcoms.’ During his career, which spanned five decades, he won 11 Emmy Awards and received 47 nominations. In 1995, Bill Carter of The New York Times noted his influence, describing him as instrumental in creating more comedy hits than anyone else in television.

“When I direct a television show, I try to reach that sweet spot where the best script meets the best performance and the best chemistry between performers,” Burrows wrote in his autobiography, ‘Directed by James Burrows,’ co-authored with Eddy Friedfeld in 2022. He emphasized the importance of achieving this harmony to create enduring and impactful comedy.

Burrows had a unique talent for shaping ensemble casts, often creating a familial atmosphere on set. In 2023, he said, “I guess I have a gift for creating families.” His approach helped shows resonate with audiences, whether they were set in a Boston bar or a New York taxi garage.