'Friends' Cast Pens Heartfelt Tributes Following the Passing of Legendary Director James Burrows
The news of legendary director James Burrows' death at 85 has shaken everyone he's worked with over the years. Burrows directed episodes from some of the most iconic and memorable shows, like Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, and Friends. When it came to Friends, Burrows wrote in his memoir that he knew the show would be a hit, and that he "didn't have time to direct it," but he "had to direct it."
Tributes From the 'Friends' Cast
In separate Instagram posts and stories, Friends' stars Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow shared heartfelt tributes to Burrows, emotionally expressing how much of an impact he had on them.
"Jimmy , words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you," LeBlanc captioned photos of him with Burrows and of him, Burrows, and Schwimmer. "You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless."
A Father Figure On and Off Camera
Schwimmer reposted LeBlanc's photo, along with one of just him and Burrows. He wrote about how 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."
"His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I'm sure we weren't the only cast to feel that way," he continued. "He looked out for us, on camera and off."
He explained that Burrows was a father figure to him and many others. "Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful-and on my best days, I'd like to think, even proud," he wrote.
Burrows' Final Warning on AI
Kudrow took the "a picture is worth a thousand words" stance in an Instagram story, showing her and Burrows smiling together on the set of The Comeback. While the two are standing in front of a director's chair bearing his name, Burrows also played a role in the meta-comedy.
During the third season, which premiered in May, Burrows made his final on-screen appearance, delivering a passionate speech about the dangers of AI. In an interview, he said that he believes what his character said as well.
"You can't write a show from the heart when you have no heart," he told IndieWire. "That's what I feel. Unfortunately, I think that the world is going that way."
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 1:06 PM.