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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
My father was weaned on books. I’m halfway between being weaned on books and weaned on television. And if you’re weaned on television, you’re not as good a writer as if you were weaned on books. James Burrows Read Quote
I didn’t have the drive; I never wanted to be in show business. I went into my father’s business because of osmosis. James Burrows Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
I’ll tell you what I love about directing: the surprise. You never know what’s going to happen with your piece until an audience weighs in. James Burrows Read Quote
