Dhaka, June 21 -- James Burrows, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American sitcom history, has died at the age of 85, his family said in a statement on Friday, Variety reports.

Burrows passed away peacefully at home on Jun 19, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness.

Starting with back-to-back trophies for directing the classic ABC sitcom "Taxi" in 1980 and 1981, Burrows went on to win 11 Emmys throughout an illustrious career.

He co-created "Cheers" with brothers Glen and Les Charles in 1982 and directed the majority of its 275 episodes over an 11-year run that ended in 1993 with a finale that remains the second most-watched series ending in American television history, behind only "MASH."

He went on ...