Burrows, who directed the pilot of ‘Friends’ among other episodes, died on Friday at age 85.

Jennifer Aniston joins *Friends *in remembering James Burrows: ‘He was a father figure to me’

Burrows, who directed the pilot of 'Friends' among other episodes, died on Friday at age 85.

By Sharareh Drury

and Rance Collins

June 20, 2026 4:39 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Vince Bucci/Getty

- *Friends* cast members honored James Burrows, who died on Friday at 85.

- Burrows directed the pilot episode for the hit NBC series, plus 14 other episodes.

- Jennifer Aniston described him as a "father figure" who taught the cast "how important it is to love and respect one another."

The stars of *Friends* is honoring prolific director James Burrows, who helmed the pilot of the hit NBC series. On Saturday, Jennifer Aniston joined her fellow cast members Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer in honoring the television legend, who died Friday, June 19, at 85.

Referring to the director as "Papa Burrows," Aniston wrote, "The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs."

Aniston remembered that Burrows called the cast "kids," giving the examples: “Where are the kids?” “Let’s see if the kids can make the joke work.” "No pressure," she added as a mock response.****"His own incredible children were generous enough to share him with all of us who were lucky enough to experience his unicorn presence. He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me. He worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten," Aniston continued. "Most of all, he taught us—the kids—how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that."

The *Morning Show* actress concluded, "I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance. Wherever you are, I hope someone is asking, 'Where are the kids?'"

David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, James Burrows, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow at 'Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows'.

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

In addition to the pilot, Burrows directed 14 other episodes of *Friends *from its early seasons, setting the tone for what would become one of television's most beloved sitcoms.

LeBlanc expressed his admiration for Burrows in an Instagram post, writing. "Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you," he wrote. "You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless."

Schwimmer posted a tribute that included a photo with LeBlanc and Burrows on Instagram, expressing his "forever" gratitude, sending love to the Burrows family, and describing him as being "a wonderful director, mentor and friend."

"Jimmy 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," Schwimmer wrote. "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 looked out for us, on camera and off. He became another Father figure for me, and I’m sure others. Paternal in the best sense of the word: Loving, wise, encouraging, challenging, instructive, patient, inspiring, playful—and on my best days, I’d like to think, even proud. Thousands of writers, actors, producers, crew members and network execs are forever blessed to have been on a sound stage with him, watching him work and learning from his incomparable talent."

Celebrity deaths 2026: Remembering the stars who died this year

James Burrows, 'Will & Grace' director and 'Cheers' co-creator, dies at 85

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

One of Burrows' final projects was Kudrow's series *The Comeback*, playing a fictionalized version of himself. Following the news of his death, Kudrow posted a photo with Burrows on the set, standing beside his director's chair. She also left a comment on the story post, writing, "Thank you Jimmy. I mean, for everything. I love you."

James Burrows and Lisa Kudrow on the set of 'The Comeback'.

Lisa Kudrow/Instagram

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Death Tributes

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Celebrity”