“Friends” stars Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow took to social media to mourn their late collaborator James Burrows following his heartbreaking death.
The iconic TV director, who was best known for his work on “Will & Grace,” “Frasier” “Friends” and more, died at the age of 85 on Friday, his family confirmed to People. Afterward, LeBlanc shared a rare Instagram post paying tribute to Burrows.
“Jimmy, words cannot describe the impact and influence you had on us and everyone who was lucky enough to have known you,” LeBlanc wrote, as he shared a selfie of himself and Burrows smiling at a sporting event.
“You sir are a true icon on so many levels. Well wishes in your next act,” the 58-year-old continued. “You will be missed. God Bless.”
LeBlanc also included a throwback photo from the 2016 NBC special “Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows,” featuring him and Schwimmer smiling while hugging a goofy-faced Burrows.
Schwimmer posted the same photo on Instagram and wrote, “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.”
“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.”
The 59-year-old actor also called Burrows “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,” he continued, before concluding, “Jimmy, I miss you already and I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful director, mentor and friend.”
Kudrow, meanwhile, posted a photo to her Instagram Stories of herself and the late director on the set of “The Comeback.”
In Burrows’ 2022 memoir, “Directed by James Burrows,” he said he knew “Friends” was a show he wanted to work on.
“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. It became the last pilot shot that year,” he wrote of his feelings in 1994.
“I fell in love with these six kids on the page immediately. Ninety-five percent of the original pilot script made it to air.”
“I knew the show had a chance to really take off and told the kids, ‘This is your last shot at anonymity. Once the show airs, you guys will never be able to go anywhere without being hounded.’ None of them believed me,” he continued.
Burrows directed 15 episodes of “Friends” over the course of its ten seasons. He even earned an Emmy nomination for “The One with the Blackout.”
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