Friends<\/a> cast members are mourning the heartbreaking death of director James Burrows<\/a>, and many \u2014 including Matt LeBlanc<\/a>, Lisa Kudrow<\/a>, and David Schwimmer<\/a> \u2014 posted emotional tributes on social media.<\/p>\n On Friday, July 19, Burrows\u2019 family confirmed his death at 85 in a statement to People<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,\u201d they shared. \u201cFor more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history. As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to Friends, Burrows worked as a director on shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show<\/a>, Will & Grace<\/a>, Taxi<\/a>, Frasier<\/a>, and 3rd Rock from the Sun<\/a>. He also co-created and directed Cheers<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n ‘Friends’ Star Lisa Kudrow Reveals Jaw-Dropping Residual Amount 20 Years Later<\/p>\n Related<\/p>\n Following the news of Burrows\u2019 death, several Friends stars took to social media to honor the late director. LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on the sitcom, took to Instagram<\/a> with a photo of himself and Burrows.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you,\u201d he wrote. \u201cYou, sir, are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God bless.\u201d<\/p>\n Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay in Friends, simply posted a snapshot of herself and Burrows on her Instagram<\/a> Stories.<\/p>\n Lisa Kudrow and James Burrows<\/p>\n Lisa Kudrow and James Burrows<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Schwimmer shared two photos of Burrows on his Instagram<\/a> grid, accompanied by a lengthy tribute.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected,\u201d the actor, who played Ross Geller, wrote.<\/p>\n In the post, Schwimmer described the late director as a \u201cfather figure\u201d to him, adding that Burrows\u2019 \u201cwarmth, humility, and generosity made us feel safe.\u201d He continued, \u201cPaternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful \u2014 and on my best days, I\u2019d like to think, even proud.\u201d<\/p>\n To conclude his tribute, Schwimmer shared, \u201cJimmy, I miss you already, and I\u2019m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor, and friend. Sending love and strength to Deb and the entire family.<\/p>\n \u2665<\/p>\n .\u201d<\/p>\n Friends aired for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. In addition to Kudrow, Schwimmer, and LeBlanc, the beloved sitcom starred Jennifer Aniston<\/a>\u00a0as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox<\/a> as Monica Geller, and the late Matthew Perry<\/a>\u00a0as Chandler Bing.<\/p>\n Friends, streaming on HBO Max<\/strong><\/p>\n Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
‘Friends’ Star Lisa Kudrow Reveals Jaw-Dropping Residual Amount 20 Years Later<\/a><\/h3>\n
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