James Burrows, the acclaimed television director and co-creator of Cheers whose work helped define generations of American sitcoms, has died aged 85, his family has confirmed.
Known throughout the television industry as "Jimmy", the TV mogul passed away peacefully this week surrounded by family, according to a statement released to PEOPLE.
Across a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows directed more than 1000 episodes of television and became one of the most influential creative figures in comedy.
His credits included The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will and Grace, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Two And A Half Men, Mike and Molly and The Big Bang Theory.
James won 11 Emmy Awards and was widely credited with helping shape the modern sitcom format.
