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James Burrows, co-creator of ‘Cheers' and director of ‘Will & Grace,' dies at 85
By Alicia Victoria Lozano | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
James Burrows, a major force in television comedy who co-created “Cheers” and directed every episode of the first run of “Will and Grace,” has died, his attorney told NBC News.
He was 85.
Burrows died peacefully on Friday while surrounded by loved ones, his family said in a statement.
“B...
Key takeaway Burrows died peacefully on Friday while surrounded by loved ones, his family said in a statement.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The passing of James Burrows leaves a void in the Los Angeles television community, where he spent decades crafting iconic comedies that resonated with audiences nationwide. As a co-creator of "Cheers" and director of "Will & Grace," Burrows' influence on the city's thriving entertainment industry cannot be overstated. His commitment to showcasing diverse characters and storylines helped pave the way for future generations of writers, producers, and directors in Los Angeles. The impact of his work can still be felt in the city's vibrant comedy scene, with many local comedians and writers citing Burrows as an inspiration. As the city mourns the loss of a television legend, it's clear that Burrows' legacy will continue to shape the entertainment landscape of Los Angeles for years to come. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring people together through comedy will be deeply missed.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles 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 NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? James Burrows, a major force in television comedy who co-created “Cheers” and directed every episode of the first run of “Will and Grace,” has died, his attorney told NBC News.
He was 85.
Burrows died peacefully on Friday while surrounded by loved ones, his family said in a statement.
“B...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alicia Victoria Lozano | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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