Known for movies

Short Info

Net Worth$500 million
Date Of BirthDecember 30, 1940
DiedJune 10, 1991, Christchurch, New Zealand
SpouseDebbie Easton (m. 1997), Linda Solomon (m. 1981–1993)
MarkUnseen Characters
FactGraduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 1962. Received a masters degree in theater from Yale University in 1965.


James Burrows is an American television director, actor, and producer. He is known for his work on the sitcoms Cheers, Taxi, and Will & Grace. He has directed episodes of over 70 different television series.

Burrows was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 30, 1940, the son of Ruth (née Landy), a homemaker, and Abe Burrows, a screenwriter and director. He has two sisters, Barbara and Joanna. His father was Jewish and his mother was Christian. He was raised in his father’s faith.

Burrows began his career as an actor, appearing in episodes of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also had a recurring role on the sitcom Love, American Style.

In 1974, Burrows directed his first episode of television with an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He went on to direct episodes of Taxi, Cheers, and Frasier. He has also directed episodes of Friends, Will & Grace, and The Big Bang Theory.

Burrows has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on Cheers, Taxi, and Will & Grace. He has also been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and four Directors Guild of America Awards.

Burrows is divorced from his first wife, Barbara. He has three children from his second marriage to Linda Melson: Jamie, Jordan, and Molly.

Burrows stands at a height of 5’10” (1.78 m).

General Info

Full NameJames Burrows
Net Worth$500 million
Date Of BirthDecember 30, 1940
DiedJune 10, 1991, Christchurch, New Zealand
ProfessionScreenwriter, Television producer, Actor, Television Director
EducationYale University, Oberlin College
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseDebbie Easton (m. 1997), Linda Solomon (m. 1981–1993)
ChildrenEllie Burrows
ParentsRuth Levinson, Abe Burrows
SiblingsLaurie Burrows

Accomplishments

AwardsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, DGA Lifetime Achievement Award, Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series, TCA Career Achievement Award
NominationsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Special, Danny Thomas Producer of the Year Award in Episodic Television - Comedy
MoviesMore Than Friends, Partners, The One Where Monica Gets A Roommate, The Broadway Melody, Pilot, Nathan vs. Nurture
TV ShowsCheers, The Tortellis, TV Land Moguls

Social profile links

Marks

#Marks / Signs
1Unseen Characters
2Rapid change of expressions
3Conversations that involves frequent movement

Quotes

#Quote
1I'll tell you what I love about directing: the surprise. You never know what's going to happen with your piece until an audience weighs in. You may think that you know what will be funny as shit but then a group of bused-in Middle Americans says is is shit and you're shaking your head in dismay. This surprise I find exhilarating and scary--and I love it.

Facts

#Fact
1Has directed over 30 Pilots for TV.
2Uncle of Nicholas Grad and Carolyn Bernstein.
3Brother-in-law of Peter Grad.
4Older brother of Laurie Burrows Grad.
5Father of Ellie Burrows.
6On several television series he's worked on, the spouse of a main character is never actually seen by the audience. They are Norm Peterson's wife Vera (Cheers (1982)), Niles Crane's wife Maris (Frasier (1993)) and Karen Walker's husband Stanley (Will & Grace (1998)), Phylis Lynstrom's husband Lars (Mary Tyler Moore (1970)). Although not spouses, Carlton the Doorman on (Rhoda (1974)), and Louie De Palma's mother on (Taxi (1978)) were never seen.Louie DePalma's mother was in 2 episodes in 1981 Louie's mother and Louie's mom remarries played by his real mother Juila DeVito .
7Has been nominated for an Emmy Award for directing a comedy episode 24 times in 26 years, one nomination every year since 1980, excluding 1997 and 2004. He has won (as director) 5 times.
8Graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 1962. Received a masters degree in theater from Yale University in 1965.
9Formed Charles Burrows Charles Productions with writer-producers Glen Charles and Les Charles in 1982 to produce Cheers (1982).
10Even though he became very wealthy from his work in television, he once said in an interview that he continues to direct situation comedy episodes on a freelance basis because it is what he loves to do.
11He and TV director George Schaefer are tied at 15 each for the most nominations ever received from the Directors Guild of America.
12Son of playwright/director Abe Burrows, cousin of Jonathan Burrows.

Pictures

Movies

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Chicago Sons1997TV Series 1 episode
Pearl1996TV Series 1 episode
3rd Rock from the Sun1996TV Series 2 episodes
NewsRadio1995-1996TV Series 7 episodes
The Nerd1996TV Movie
Partners1995-1996TV Series 10 episodes
Hudson Street1995TV Series 1 episode
The Preston Episodes1995TV Series 1 episode
Madman of the People1994TV Series 2 episodes
The Boys Are Back1994TV Series 1 episode
Monty1994TV Series 1 episode
Gloria Vane1993TV Movie
Cafe Americain1993TV Series 3 episodes
Cheers1982-1993TV Series 237 episodes
Flying Blind1992TV Series 1 episode
Flesh 'n' Blood1991TV Series 1 episode
Pacific Station1991TV Series 1 episode
Roc1991TV Series 1 episode
The Fanelli Boys1990TV Series 1 episode
Down Home1990TV Series 2 episodes
The Earth Day Special1990TV Special segment "Cheers"
Wings1990TV Series 1 episode
The Marshall Chronicles1990TV Series 2 episodes
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color1990TV Series 1 episode
Dear John1988TV Series 2 episodes
Channel 991988TV Movie
CBS Summer Playhouse1987TV Series 1 episode
The Tortellis1987TV Series 1 episode
All Is Forgiven1986TV Series 2 episodes
Valerie's Family: The Hogans1986TV Series 1 episode
Big Shots in America1985TV Movie
At Your Service1984TV Movie
Night Court1984TV Series 1 episode
Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever1982TV Movie
Taxi1978-1982TV Series 75 episodes
Partners1982
Best of the West1981TV Series 3 episodes
Every Stray Dog and Kid1981TV Movie
Good Time Harry1980TV Series 1 episode
The Associates1979-1980TV Series 4 episodes
The Stockard Channing Show1980TV Series 2 episodes
A New Kind of Family1979TV Series 1 episode
Butterflies1979TV Movie
More Than Friends1978TV Movie as Jim Burrows
Free Country1978TV Series 2 episodes
Husbands, Wives & Lovers1978TV Series
Rhoda1977-1978TV Series 4 episodes
The Betty White Show1977-1978TV Series 2 episodes
The Plant Family1978TV Movie
We've Got Each Other1977TV Series 2 episodes
Lou Grant1977TV Series 1 episode
Busting Loose1977TV Series 5 episodes
Calling Doctor Storm, M. D.1977TV Movie
Szysznyk1977TV Series
Roosevelt and Truman1977TV Movie
Bumpers1977TV Movie
Laverne & Shirley1976-1977TV Series 8 episodes
The Tony Randall Show1976-1977TV Series 4 episodes
The Bob Newhart Show1975-1977TV Series 11 episodes
Mary Tyler Moore1974-1976TV Series 4 episodes
Phyllis1975-1976TV Series 19 episodes
Fay1975TV Series 2 episodes
Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers1975TV Series 1 episode
Real Good People2016TV Movie
Man with a Plan2016TV Series 4 episodes
Crowded2016TV Series 9 episodes
Mike & Molly2010-2016TV Series 49 episodes
Me & Mean Margaret2016TV Movie
2 Broke Girls2011-2016TV Series 4 episodes
The Half of It2015TV Movie
The Millers2013-2015TV Series 32 episodes
Friends with Better Lives2014TV Series 1 episode
More Time with Family2014TV Movie
Saint Francis2014TV Movie
Sean Saves the World2013TV Series 2 episodes
Partners2012-2013TV Series 12 episodes
Untitled Tad Quill Project2013TV Movie
Romantically Challenged2010-2011TV Series 5 episodes
Up All Night2011TV Series 1 episode
Nathan vs. Nurture2010TV Movie
Open Books2010TV Movie
Strange Brew2010TV Movie
$#*! My Dad Says2010TV Series 1 episode
Better with You2010TV Series 1 episode
Gary Unmarried2008-2010TV Series 36 episodes
Hank2009TV Series
Ab Fab2009TV Movie
Back to You2007-2008TV Series 17 episodes
The Mastersons of Manhattan2007TV Movie
Traveling in Packs2007TV Movie
Untitled David Kohan/Max Mutchnick TV Project2007TV Movie
The Big Bang Theory2006-2007TV Series 2 episodes
The Class2006-2007TV Series 19 episodes
Will & Grace1998-2006TV Series 188 episodes
Teachers.2006TV Series 1 episode
Four Kings2006TV Series 1 episode
Courting Alex2006TV Series 1 episode
My 11:302004TV Movie
The Stones2004TV Series
Beverly Hills S.U.V.2004TV Movie
Two and a Half Men2003TV Series 2 episodes
Dexter Prep2002TV Movie
Bram and Alice2002TV Series 1 episode
Good Morning, Miami2002TV Series 1 episode
The Weber Show2000TV Series 1 episode
Madigan Men2000TV Series 1 episode
Stark Raving Mad1999TV Series 1 episode
Ladies Man1999TV Series 1 episode
The Secret Lives of Men1998TV Series 1 episode
Jesse1998TV Series 1 episode
Conrad Bloom1998TV Series 1 episode
Friends1994-1998TV Series 15 episodes
Dharma & Greg1997-1998TV Series 2 episodes
Caroline in the City1995-1998TV Series 21 episodes
George & Leo1997TV Series 3 episodes
Fired Up1997TV Series 5 episodes
Union Square1997TV Series 3 episodes
Veronica's Closet1997TV Series 1 episode
Men Behaving Badly1996-1997TV Series 7 episodes
Frasier1993-1997TV Series 32 episodes

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Man with a Plan2016TV Series executive producer - 3 episodes
Crowded2016TV Series executive producer - 12 episodes
The Millers2013-2015TV Series executive producer - 16 episodes
Mike & Molly2010-2012TV Series executive producer - 47 episodes
Romantically Challenged2010TV Series executive producer - 4 episodes
Gary Unmarried2008-2010TV Series executive producer - 36 episodes
Back to You2007-2008TV Series executive producer - 16 episodes
The Class2006-2007TV Series executive producer - 19 episodes
Will & Grace1999-2006TV Series executive producer - 175 episodes
Last Dance2001TV Movie executive producer
Tikiville2001TV Movie executive producer
The Secret Lives of Men1998TV Series executive producer
Gloria Vane1993TV Movie executive producer
CheersTV Series executive producer - 226 episodes, 1984 - 1993 producer - 45 episodes, 1982 - 1984
The Tortellis1987TV Series executive producer - 13 episodes
All Is Forgiven1986TV Series executive producer

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
CheersTV Series created by - 270 episodes, 1982 - 1993 creator - 1 episode, 1983
Cheers: Last Call!1993TV Short creator

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Comeback2005-2014TV SeriesJimmy Burrows
Friends1994TV SeriesDirector
Cheers1989-1993TV SeriesMan Who Knocks / Man Standing in the Bar
The Bob Newhart Show1977TV SeriesMaintenance Man
Phyllis1975TV SeriesTelephone Man
Rhoda1974TV SeriesAgent

Miscellaneous

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Weber Show2000TV Series executive consultant - 1 episode
Madigan Men2000TV Series consultant - 1 episode
O.K. Crackerby!1965TV Series dialogue coach - 5 episodes

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color1990TV Series special thanks - 1 episode
Mickey's 60th Birthday1988TV Movie special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age2016Documentary post-productionHimself
The Eighties2016TV Mini-Series documentaryExecutive producer and co-creator, 'Cheers'
Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows2016TV SpecialHimself
The Story Behind: Will & Grace2015TV Movie documentaryHimself
Unusually Thicke2014TV SeriesHimself
Friends: Friends from the Start2012Video documentary shortHimself
Tavis Smiley2010TV SeriesHimself
Biography2009TV Series documentaryHimself
TV Land Moguls2009TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America2009TV Series documentaryHimself / Himself - Director
Heart & Soul: The Life and Music of Frank Loesser2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
The 4th Annual TV Land Awards2006TV SpecialHimself
The 100 Most Memorable TV Moments2004TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Inside the Actors Studio2003TV SeriesHimself
The 'Frasier' Story1999TV Special documentaryHimself
Intimate Portrait1998TV Series documentaryHimself
The 10th Annual American Comedy Awards1996TV SpecialHimself
The 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1995TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
The 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1994TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
The 19th Annual People's Choice Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Accepting Special Award for Cheers
The 45th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Cheers: Last Call!1993TV ShortHimself (uncredited)
The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1991TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series & Outstanding Comedy Series
Cheers1990TV SeriesHimself
The 39th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1987TV SpecialHimself - Nominee
The 38th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1986TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Outstanding Director in Comedy Series
The 35th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1983TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Comedy Series
The 33rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1981TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
The Midnight Special1981TV SeriesHimself
The 32nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1980TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Strictly Top-Shelf: The Guys Behind the Bar2004Video documentary shortHimself

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2015Lifetime Achievement Award in Television DirectionDirectors Guild of America, USA
2014Career Achievement AwardTelevision Critics Association Awards
2009Distinguished Collaborator AwardCostume Designers Guild Awards
2003Special Lifetime Achievement AwardBanff Television Festival
2001DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2000OFTA TV Hall of FameOnline Film & Television AssociationBehind the Scenes
2000Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
1999Governors' AwardSociety of Camera Operators
1996Creative Achievement AwardAmerican Comedy Awards, USA
1994DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Frasier (1993)
1994Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Comedy SeriesFrasier (1993)
1991DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1984Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1984DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1983Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1983Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1981Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesTaxi (1978)
1980Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesTaxi (1978)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2013Career Achievement AwardTelevision Critics Association Awards
2008Banff Rockie AwardBanff Television FestivalBest Comedy ProgramThe Big Bang Theory (2007)
2008Gold Derby TV AwardGold Derby AwardsLifetime Achievement Award (Other)
2006DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2005PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic Television, ComedyWill & Grace (1998)
2005Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2005Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2004DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2004PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic Television, ComedyWill & Grace (1998)
2004Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2003DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2003PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic Television, ComedyWill & Grace (1998)
2003Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2003Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2002DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2002Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2002Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2001Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2001Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
2000DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
2000Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
1999DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Will & Grace (1998)
1999Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWill & Grace (1998)
1998DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Dharma & Greg (1997)
1998Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesDharma & Greg (1997)
1996DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Friends (1994)
1996Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Comedy Series3rd Rock from the Sun (1996)
1995Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Individual Achievement in Directing for a Comedy SeriesFriends (1994)
1993DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1993Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1993Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1992DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1992Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1992Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Informational SpecialCheers (1982)
1990Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1990DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1990Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1988DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1987Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1987Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1987DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1986Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1986Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1986DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1985Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1985Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1985DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1984Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesCheers (1982)
1983DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Cheers (1982)
1982Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Comedy SeriesTaxi (1978)
1982DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series'Taxi (1978)

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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