Sean Hayes<\/a>. Not so great for the reason, but Jimmy always brought us together on that stage every week, and he brought us together again.”<\/p>\nWill and Grace’s creators, Max Mutchnick, 60, and David Kohan, 62, also attended and were among the speakers at James’ funeral.<\/p>\n
\nKnown throughout the television industry as “Jimmy”, he executive-produced and directed all 246 episodes of Will and Grace over its original run (1998-2006) and its 2017 revival, which ended in 2020.<\/p>\n
\nAsked for his favourite memory of the TV mogul, Eric replied: “Oh, too many to quote and in print it wouldn\u2019t look so good because you\u2019d have to do the Jimmy Burrows voice. <\/p>\n
\n“But my favourite was when I asked him if he thought maybe we\u2019d get a second season. He looked at me and said, ‘Jesus Christ, McCormack. Buy a house.’<\/p>\n
\n“He did [believe in us]. He knew.”<\/p>\n
\nJames – who co-created Cheers with Glen Charles, 83, and Les Charles, and worked on other comedies, including Friends, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory – died surrounded by family, according to a statement released to People.<\/p>\n
\nAfter news of the 11-time Emmy winner’s death, Eric, Debra, and Sean paid tribute on Instagram.<\/p>\n
\nEric posted a shot of him and James on the Will and Grace set, with the caption: “We lost a giant today, a mentor to me and a dear friend. #JamesBurrows directed every single episode of #Will Grace\u2026 and pretty much everything else. <\/p>\n
\n“The 800 lb gorilla of television comedy for fifty years, he was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. <\/p>\n
\n“Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family. (sic)”<\/p>\n
\nDebra captioned multiple pictures of herself and James over the years: “James Burrows was a legend. An Icon. A singular talent and revolutionary in television. He brought laughter and love into more homes, globally, than any other TV director in history. <\/p>\n
\n“To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy. (sic)”<\/p>\n
\nShe continued: “I can\u2019t express the pain of his loss, and I know that is true for everyone who was lucky enough to be loved by him. Jimmy changed my life 28 years ago and has been in my life ever since. <\/p>\n
\n“He had a dry sense of humour but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all.<\/p>\n
\n“He loved and trusted his actors (which is rare in tv comedy). He let us play and explore and fail terribly and would always see the gem in what was happening, and like a master conductor, he taught us how to play the music. <\/p>\n
\n“He was quiet and serious, but also very committed to finishing rehearsal so he could make his tee time. He loved talent. He was thrilled by it.<\/p>\n
\n“Every person he allowed in his sphere felt respected, admired, and important. We were, are, family, and always will be. Every cast member who had the rare privilege of being directed by him for nearly a decade, felt like one of his kids. <\/p>\n
\n“And today, we lost our TV dad. (sic)”<\/p>\n
\nDebra concluded: “I love you Jimmy. Find the clowns up there. They need direction. May his memory be a blessing. May Debbie, his kids and grandkids be surrounded with love now. (sic)”<\/p>\n
\nAnd Sean reposted his 56-year-old husband, music composer Scott Icenogle’s tribute, which accompanied a selfie of them with James, on his Instagram Stories.<\/p>\n
\nIt read: “The world lost a cultural, television icon today – James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows. Jimmy was a dear friend and I am incredibly grateful to have had many fun times with him both personally and professionally. <\/p>\n
\n“Sean and I are sending his incredible wife, Debbie, and his loving family all our love and support during this difficult time. #JamesBurrows (sic).”<\/p>\n
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