Eric McCormack and Debra Messing are speaking out after the death of Will & Grace director James Burrows.
If you didn’t see the sad news, the acclaimed television director and producer died on Friday (June 19) at the age of 85.
Burrows was best known for co-creating Cheers and directing every episode of Will & Grace‘s original run. He also directed episodes of Friends, Frasier, Taxi, and more beloved comedies, with more than 1,000 directing credits to his name.
Following news of his death, Eric and Debra both took to social media to pay tribute to their late director.
“We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will&Grace… and pretty much everything else,” Eric wrote on Instagram. “The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family.”
While sharing multiple photos with James on Instagram, Debra wrote, “James Burrows was a legend. An Icon. A singular talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history. To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy.”
“I can’t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him,” she continued. “Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all.”
Debra added, “He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it. Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. And today, we lost our TV dad.”
“I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns up there. They need direction,” Debra concluded. “May his memory be a blessing. May Debbie, his kids and grandkids be surrounded with love now.”
Our continued thoughts are with James Burrows‘ loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.
Posted To:Debra Messing Eric McCormack James Burrows Will & Grace
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