Matt LeBlanc has shared a rare Instagram post to honor legendary television director James Burrows following his death at the age of 85.
The Friends star joined Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer in paying tribute to Burrows, who directed multiple episodes of the hit sitcom and helped shape some of the most beloved comedies in television history.
LeBlanc posted photos of himself with Burrows and remembered him as a true icon of television comedy.
The tribute was especially meaningful because LeBlanc rarely posts on Instagram, making the message stand out to Friends fans who continue to follow the cast closely.
Burrows had a major impact on Friends from the beginning. He directed the show’s pilot and several early episodes, helping set the tone for the series and supporting the chemistry between the six young cast members.
Lisa Kudrow also honored Burrows, sharing a memory from working with him and thanking him for his influence. David Schwimmer remembered him as a mentor and father figure who helped actors feel safe, supported and part of a family.
Burrows’ death has sparked tributes across Hollywood from stars who worked with him on decades of classic sitcoms.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television and became one of the most important figures in American comedy.
He co-created Cheers and directed many episodes of that series. He also worked on Taxi, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, The Big Bang Theory and many other shows.
Burrows won 11 Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as a master of the multi-camera sitcom. He was known not only for timing jokes perfectly but also for helping actors find warmth, rhythm and emotional truth in comedy.
His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. They remembered him for his kindness, generosity and huge contribution to television.
For Friends fans, Burrows will always be linked to the beginning of the show’s success. He was one of the first major industry figures to believe the cast had something special.
His passing comes after the Friends cast also mourned Matthew Perry, who died in 2023. The latest tribute has once again reminded fans of the deep bonds behind one of the most famous sitcoms of all time.
James Burrows leaves behind a television legacy that shaped generations of comedy viewers and inspired countless actors, writers and directors.
