arts
James Burrows, co-creator of "Cheers" and prolific director, dies at 85
By Kerry Breen at CBS4 Miami
· June 20, 2026
· 3 min read
James Burrows, the co-creator of "Cheers" and prolific television director who worked on hits including "Will & Grace," "Frasier" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has died. He was 85 years old. His family confirmed in a statement Friday that Burrows "passed away peacefully today surrounded by his lo
Key takeaway His family confirmed in a statement Friday that Burrows "passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's vibrant arts and culture scene, which draws heavily from its strong Latin American and Caribbean influences, may seem like a world away from the television studios of California where James Burrows worked. However, the impact of his prolific career can still be felt in the city's many neighborhoods, from Little Havana to Miami Beach, where residents gather to watch and discuss their favorite shows. As a hub for diverse communities, Miami is home to a wide range of TV viewers who have grown up watching the iconic sitcoms that Burrows directed, including "Cheers" and "Frasier." His legacy serves as a reminder that the power of television can transcend geographical boundaries, bringing people together across different cultures and backgrounds. As the city continues to evolve and grow, it's likely that Burrows' influence will remain, inspiring new generations of writers, directors, and actors in Miami's thriving arts community.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami 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 .
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Category: arts ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? James Burrows, the co-creator of "Cheers" and prolific television director who worked on hits including "Will & Grace," "Frasier" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has died. He was 85 years old. His family confirmed in a statement Friday that Burrows "passed away peacefully today surrounded by his lo
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kerry Breen at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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