James Burrows left the world too soon, but his impact on the entertainment industry can still be felt among actors and directors. He was a legendary director and producer known for his work on episodes of shows like Friends, Taxi, and Will & Grace. But his contribution to the industry goes beyond his professional work and the titles attached to his name.

Chuck Lorre, who is behind the show Two and a Half Men, revealed the director’s role in landing crucial cast members.

Chuck Lorre, during his conversation on Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, remembered James Burrows. He appreciated the director for the impressive work while directing the pilot episodes of his shows. Lorre further recalled how the director played a part in the casting process for Two and a Half Men by assuring the network to bring in John Cryer and Angus T. Jones.

"He also intervened on the casting of Two and a Half Men, reassuring Mr. (Les) Moonves that it would be okay," he said. "I couldn't reassure. Jimmy could. They would listen to Jimmy. Jimmy had such gravitas.”

“It was with John Cryer and also the little boy Angus T. Young,” he said when asked about the casting. 

Not just these shows, as Lorre mentioned on Dinner's On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, but Burrows worked his magic on almost every sitcom that became iconic and continues to hold the same reputation. He continued doing so until the final years of his life, appearing for the final season of The Comeback. The legend passed away on June 19, 2026.

“If He’s Sober” – Chuck Lorre Reveals the Story and Emotions Behind His Charlie Sheen Reunion

Just like his impact on beloved sitcoms, there are several stories through which the legend is remembered, and one such iconic story comes from a Friends cast member.

Lisa Kudrow, during her appearance on the Fresh Air podcast, shared that James Burrows took the cast members, including her, on a trip to Las Vegas before the show premiered. She recalled how he asked Warner Bros. to lend their private jet for the cast’s trip. During this trip, Burrows also made a bold prediction.

“And he took us to Spago and said, 'Pay attention. This is the last time the six of you can be out in public like this and not be recognized,” she said.

The actress further shared that they watched the first episode of the show on the plane. And the director even gave them $200 each to gamble. The trip was memorable for the cast, and just as Burrows had predicted, it was followed by the cast members gaining immense fame.

“I Really Don’t Want to Do That” - Lisa Kudrow Reveals the Odd Thing Strangers Still Want Her to Do Years After ‘Friends’ End

What do you think about Chuck Lorre's story about James Burrows? Let us know in the comments.