My father was Abe Burrows, who was a Broadway legend. 'Guys and Dolls,' 'How to Succeed,' 'Cactus Flower,' '40 Karats,' 'Can-Can,' 'Happy Hunting,' 'Reclining Figure,' it goes on. He was a legend, and when I was growing up, I was Abe Burrows' kid. That was my self-esteem. James Burrows abebroadwayburrow share on social
On 'Taxi,' I had the great fortune of directing many wonderful episodes, none more classic than Reverend Jim's driving test. It was maybe the funniest show I did. James Burrows classicdirectdrive Change image and share on social
Most of the pilots I choose do not have high-concept ideas, so for me it's not the idea as much as the execution of the idea, and if the idea, like you take a bar in Boston, that's not a high-concept idea. But if it's executed well, it makes a great show. James Burrows barbostonchoose share on social
Sometimes an actor will stumble on the joke, and I'm right on them. Back it up before the audience hears the bad version of the joke, because humor is 90% surprise. If they know what's coming, they won't laugh as hard. James Burrows actoraudienceback share on social
I have a fun clause in my contract. If I'm not having fun, I can leave. James Burrows clausecontractfun Change image and share on social
The best thing for an actor is to try it his way. The way they do it may not work, but it may inspire me to try something else. James Burrows actorinspirething Change image and share on social
Script comes first, then the actors, then you gotta be lucky enough to get the right time slot. Then people have to watch. James Burrows actorgottalucky Change image and share on social
I know what's funny, and I probably know the best way to deliver the joke. Whether it's walking out of a room, facing that way, facing this way. I just have a sense of that. James Burrows deliverfacefunny Change image and share on social
Networks are reluctant to take a chance. They put on shows that they know will work on some level, but to get the innovative show, it's very difficult. James Burrows chancedifficultinnovative Change image and share on social
I remember on the pilot of 'Will and Grace' some executives from NBC saying to me, 'There are too many gay jokes.' I said, 'If not on this show, then what show?' James Burrows executivegaygrace Change image and share on social
