LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Burrows, a legendary director known for creating laughter through his work on over a thousand episodes of iconic television comedies, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, noting that he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, although they did not provide details regarding the location or cause of death.

Burrows had a remarkable career focused on sitcoms, starting relatively late at the age of 35 in 1974. He initially directed episodes of beloved shows such as "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Bob Newhart Show," and "Laverne & Shirley." He is best recognized as the co-creator of "Cheers," directing 243 of its 273 episodes, as well as all 246 episodes of "Will and Grace." His directorial prowess extended to directing episodes of "Frasier," "Friends," and "Mike & Molly," alongside helmings the pilots for "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory."

In his 2022 memoir titled "Directed by James Burrows," he expressed his passion for directing, stating, "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." He emphasized that great comedy was not solely about laughter, but about humanity, connection, and truth, elements that became foundational throughout his influential career that significantly impacted television.

His family underscored Burrows's remarkable character, highlighting his kindness, generosity, and his unique ability to enhance the talents of those around him. They noted that he had an extraordinary gift for remembering every individual he met, ensuring that colleagues felt acknowledged and valued.

Much of Burrows's work aired on NBC, which became synonymous with its "Must See TV" branding in the early 1990s, featuring shows like "Friends" and "Frasier." NBC recognized Burrows's contribution, stating, "Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push, and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke." They acknowledged that his loss would be deeply felt in the television comedy landscape.

Born James Edward Burrows on December 30, 1940, in Los Angeles, he moved to New York at the age of five, where he joined the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus. He attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and was influenced by his father, Abe Burrows, a successful writer, director, and producer known for Broadway hits like "Guys and Dolls." The younger Burrows often spent hours watching his father work, which fostered his passion for theater and television.

After obtaining his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, he attended the Yale School of Drama, where he was drawn to directing classes. His initial experience in sitcoms came as a dialogue coach for Burl Ives on "O.K. Crackerby!" in 1965. Following various roles in theater and television, Burrows finally caught a break when he reached out to Mary Tyler Moore, who invited him to Los Angeles to direct an episode of her show.

Burrows's talent was evident in his ability to deepen the emotional connections in sitcoms, often portraying the bonds among friends and families. His shows focused on characters from diverse backgrounds, whether it was the regulars at a bar in "Cheers," the cab drivers in "Taxi," or the 20-somethings sharing an apartment in "Friends." Burrows believed that the best sitcoms resonate with audiences on a deeper level, stating, "The best sitcoms transcend the screen and reach out and grab the audience by the throat and by the heart."

Throughout his career, Burrows directed over 75 pilots that were successfully picked up as series and played a pivotal role in discovering new acting talent. In addition to his prolific television career, he was an executive producer for live remakes of "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" in 2019, demonstrating his lasting influence in the industry.

Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie Easton, whom he married in 1997, as well as his three daughters from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, who passed away in 2004. He also leaves behind a stepdaughter and numerous grandchildren. His legacy as one of television's greatest comedic directors remains firmly intact, forever shaping the landscape of sitcoms and endearing himself to audiences worldwide.