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‘Cheers,’ ‘Friends’ director James Burrows dies
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
The man behind the camera of hundreds of iconic television episodes has died. Television director James Burrows was 85 years old. Read more trending newsHis family told People magazine that Burrows died surrounded by loved ones on June 19. “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy ...
Key takeaway Television director James Burrows was 85 years old.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , fans of iconic television shows are mourning the loss of James Burrows, a director who brought laughter and joy to audiences for over five decades. While Burrows' impact is felt nationwide, his legacy also resonates with Atlantans who grew up watching shows like "Cheers" and "Friends". The city's own thriving film and television industry, which has grown significantly in recent years, owes a debt to pioneers like Burrows who paved the way for future generations of directors and producers. As the city continues to attract new productions and talent, Burrows' commitment to mentoring and nurturing creativity will be remembered as an inspiration to local industry professionals. His passing serves as a reminder of the power of television to bring people together and transcend borders, a testament to the enduring legacy of a true entertainment legend.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The man behind the camera of hundreds of iconic television episodes has died. Television director James Burrows was 85 years old. Read more trending newsHis family told People magazine that Burrows died surrounded by loved ones on June 19. “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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