Jennifer Aniston Remembers ‘Friends’ Director James Burrows Following His Passing

Jennifer Aniston honors the legacy of director James Burrows, who passed away at 85, sharing heartfelt memories and tributes from fellow stars.

Jennifer Aniston has expressed her condolences following the death of acclaimed television director and producer James Burrows. Burrows passed away on June 19 at the age of 85.

Burrows was renowned for his work in television, particularly for co-creating the iconic sitcom Cheers and directing every episode of the original run of Will & Grace. His extensive career includes directing episodes of other beloved comedies such as Friends, Frasier, and Taxi, amassing over 1,000 directing credits.

On June 20, Aniston, 57, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Burrows, reflecting on his impact on her life and career. In her emotional post, she referred to him affectionately as "Papa Burrows," highlighting the difficulty of condensing a lifetime of love and respect into a few words. She recalled his affectionate references to the cast as his "kids," stating, "Where are the kids? Let’s see if the kids can make the joke work," emphasizing the familial bond he fostered among his cast members.

Aniston continued her tribute by sharing how Burrows acted as a father figure to her, saying he consistently checked in on her, celebrated her achievements, and provided guidance during both challenging and joyful times. She expressed deep gratitude for the love and lessons he imparted, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another and fostering a sense of community. Aniston concluded her heartfelt message by expressing her longing for his presence, stating, "I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance. Wherever you are, I hope someone is asking, 'Where are the kids?'"

In addition to Aniston's tribute, other stars from Will & Grace, including Eric McCormack and Debra Messing, also shared their memories and condolences following Burrows' passing.