Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend James Burrows
Sep 5, 2022
James Burrows, the legendary sitcom director known for classics like Cheers and Friends, chats with Conan O’Brien about his new book, Directed by James Burrows. They dive into the casting magic behind iconic shows, share humorous insights on sitcom evolution, and reminisce about the significance of theme songs. Burrows also talks about discovering his own webbed toes, leading to a hilarious discussion on body awareness. Their playful banter highlights the joys of comedy and the thrill of nurturing fresh talent.
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Early Career
- James Burrows started his directing career in 1974 with The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
- He considers MTM and The Bob Newhart Show as his apprenticeship shows.
Rhythm in Comedy
- Comedy relies heavily on rhythm and proper emphasis.
- Delivering a joke with the wrong rhythm can ruin the surprise and humor.
Abe's Approach
- Burrows's father, Abe Burrows, used sound to judge play's rhythm.
- Abe would listen backstage, and if he heard a pause, he'd say, "nobody's dancing."
