James Burrows, a highly influential American television director and creator known for his work on some of the most popular sitcoms in television history, has died at the age of 85. His family announced his passing on Friday, noting that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, though details about the exact time and place were not disclosed.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows earned acclaim for directing and producing numerous iconic series, including “Friends,” “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Mike & Molly,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.” He was a pioneering figure in the development of the multi-camera sitcom format, beginning his rise in the 1970s with episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”

Burrows garnered 11 Emmy Awards for excellence in television, securing his first Emmy for directing the groundbreaking comedy “Taxi,” which featured stars such as Danny DeVito, Andy Kaufman, and Tony Danza. He directed a total of 236 episodes of “Cheers,” a show he co-created with collaborator James Brooks, as well as the successful spin-off “Frasier.”

In addition to his work behind the camera, Burrows occasionally appeared on screen, including a recent role playing himself in the HBO series “The Comeback,” where he reunited with Lisa Kudrow, known for her role in “Friends.” The series offered a satirical look at the experience of working on a television sitcom in Hollywood.

Burrows’ family described him as a legendary director, mentor, and creative force who shaped multiple generations of comedy and brought joy to audiences globally. His prolific output encompassed more than 1,000 episodes and left a lasting impact on the television industry.