Matt LeBlanc made a rare return to social media this week to honor legendary television director James Burrows following his death at age 85. The beloved director, whose career spanned some of television’s most iconic sitcoms, helped shape “Friends,” “Cheers,” “Will & Grace,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and countless other hit series. For Matt LeBlanc, James Burrows’ death marked only the second time in years that the actor has shared a personal post on Instagram.
LeBlanc took to Instagram on Friday to remember the television icon, who directed the pilot episode of Friends and several additional episodes throughout the show’s run.
“Jimmy,” LeBlanc began. “Words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you.”
The actor continued: “You, sir, are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”
The tribute was particularly notable given how rarely LeBlanc posts on social media. Outside of a promotional post tied to a Dunkin’ campaign, the actor’s last personal Instagram tribute came in 2023 following the death of his “Friends” co-star Matthew Perry.
Lisa Kudrow And Danny DeVito Also Honor The Late Director
LeBlanc wasn’t the only star paying tribute. His former “Friends” co-star Lisa Kudrow shared a photo from the set of “The Comeback,” where Burrows made one of his final onscreen appearances playing a fictionalized version of himself.
Meanwhile, Danny DeVito released a heartfelt statement remembering the director’s impact on both his career and his family. “Rhea and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Burrows. The entire DeVito family feels the loss of such an exceptional man,” DeVito told Entertainment Weekly.
“Jimmy guided Rhea and me through 16 seasons of television. He was the very best at his craft. His positive spirit, boundless energy, and tireless work defined what it takes to run a show and keep people laughing. He will always be in our hearts.”
James Burrows Helped Shape ‘Friends’ Into A Television Phenomenon
While Burrows built an impressive résumé across countless sitcoms, “Friends” remains one of the most beloved projects of his career. In his 2022 memoir, “Directed by James Burrows,” the legendary director recalled his initial reaction after reading the pilot script. “I had a good sense about ‘Friends’ and knew two things immediately: one, I didn’t have time to direct it, and two, I had to direct it,” Burrows wrote. “It became the last pilot shot that year.”
The veteran director said he was instantly drawn to the show’s central cast and the chemistry between the six main characters. “I fell in love with these six kids on the page immediately,” he added. “Ninety-five percent of the original pilot script made it to air.”
Burrows became known for his ability to transform ensemble casts into believable groups of friends, helping actors develop the chemistry that audiences would later fall in love with. According to television lore, he even took the cast of “Friends” to Las Vegas before the show premiered, giving each of the six stars $200 to gamble with while encouraging them to enjoy their final moments of anonymity before fame changed their lives forever.
The gamble paid off. “Friends” went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, helping launch the careers of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
Burrows’ Family Confirms TV Legend’s Death At 85
Burrows’ family confirmed that the acclaimed television director passed away peacefully on June 19 at the age of 85. “We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family,” his family said in a statement to PEOPLE.
The statement highlighted Burrows’ remarkable impact on television, noting that he directed more than 1,000 episodes throughout a career that spanned over five decades. His credits included iconic series such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
“For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history,” the family said. “As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.”
Family Says James Burrows’ Greatest Impact Was Off Camera
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Burrows’ loved ones said he would be remembered for his generosity and the way he treated those around him.
“He possessed a rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at every level feel seen, valued, and appreciated,” the statement continued.
The family added that Burrows believed great comedy was about more than laughs, calling it “humanity, connection, and truth,” and said his influence would continue through the countless artists he inspired and the stories he helped bring to life.
Burrows is survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, and seven grandchildren.
