Courteney Cox Pays Tribute to Late ‘Friends’ Director James Burrows
Courteney Cox posted a touching tribute to the late Friends director James Burrows after his passing at 85.
“I will miss you so much, Jimmy… the joy and laughter you brought to everyone who knew you. Your care for others… but I know your light will forever shine on us,” Cox, 62, shared on Instagram on Saturday, June 20.
In her tribute, Cox reminisced about a funny moment with Burrows, who directed 15 episodes of Friends, including the iconic 1994 pilot, “The One Where It All Began.”
“Jimmy B called me Cox-N-Hammer,” she recalled. “I have no idea why or what it means, but I went along with it because he was Jimmy Burrows.”
The Monica Geller actress reflected on how crucial Burrows was to the Friends cast during their early days, often offering guidance and preparing them for future fame.
“He always called us ‘the kids’… he mentored us and shared so much — whether it was through his direction or insights into our lives — never sugar-coating anything, and he was always spot on,” she expressed on Saturday. “I often begged him to direct us more, but other productions needed him too, as everything was better with him around. You felt secure and confident, and we truly had a blast!”
Cox also mentioned her connection with Burrows outside of Friends, highlighting the joy she found in observing his romance with second wife Debbie Easton prior to their wedding in 1997. (Burrows had three daughters with his first wife, Linda Solomon, and a stepdaughter with Easton.)
“I’m not sure how someone so talented, wise, and adored could be so humble,” she added. “Jimmy cared about making everything the best it could be — alongside his wonderful kids and beautiful wife, Debbie. I loved watching them fall in love.”
On Friday, June 19, Burrows’ family announced his death at age 85 after a brief illness.
“Burrows understood that great comedy was not just about laughter; it was about humanity, connection, and truth,” his family remarked. “His impact will be felt for generations through the many artists he inspired, the stories he helped tell, and the countless lives brightened by his work. … He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Burrows directed numerous iconic sitcoms, including Will & Grace, Frasier, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He co-created Cheers with Glen and Les Charles in 1982.
The esteemed director was inducted into the TV Hall of Fame in 2006 and honored with an NBC tribute in 2016, which featured a rare reunion with the cast of Friends.
In the wake of Burrows’ passing, Cox’s Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston honored the director as a “father figure” during her early career.
“His incredible children generously shared him with all of us who were fortunate enough to experience his unique presence,” Aniston expressed on Instagram on Saturday. “He was like a father to me. He always checked in on me, cared for me, celebrated my achievements, guided me, and supported me through both challenging and joyful moments. He truly spoiled us.”
She continued, “Most importantly, he taught us — the kids — the significance of loving and respecting one another. To support each other, no matter the circumstances. And we did just that.”
