'Will and Grace' Stars Debra Messing and Eric McCormack Pay Tribute To Director James Burrows After His Death At 85

James Burrows, a legendary director who worked on numerous iconic shows, died at the age of 85, and many in Hollywood are paying tribute. That includes Debra Messing and Eric McCormack, who worked with Burrows on the show Will & Grace.

Messing, who played Grace Adler on the sitcom, posted on Instagram, sharing numerous photos of the two, and referring to Burrows as "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," she wrote. "To me he was Jimmy. To my son, he was Papa Jimmy."

"I can't 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. He had a dry sense of humor but exploded in laughter when he orchestrated comic moments that landed. I wanted his laughs most of all," Messing added. "e 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. 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. 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. And today, we lost our TV dad."

McCormack also shared a photo of himself and Burrows, writing that Hollywood "lost a giant today."

"He was beloved by everyone, and has left not a mark but a footprint. An incredible legacy. Jimmy, thank you for everything you gave us. I love you. And I send so much love to Debbie and your whole beautiful family. ❤️🥂," he posted.

Along with his work on Will & Grace, he was the co-creator of Cheers and worked on Taxi, Frasier, Friends, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and more.

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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 11:14 AM.