Jennifer Aniston has paid an emotional tribute to Friends director James Burrows following his death.
Aniston’s Tribute
The 57-year-old actress took to Instagram to honor the sitcom director, whom she affectionately called “papa,” following his passing at the age of 85 on Friday, June 19th.
Aniston, who played Rachel Green in Friends, penned on social media, “Oh boy… Papa Burrows. The hardest thing about writing this is that you spent a lifetime making people feel loved, and now it feels impossible to put all of that love into a few paragraphs.”
The Morning Show star shared how Burrows, who also co-created the comedy Cheers, would often lovingly refer to the Friends cast as “kids.”
Aniston added, “His own incredible children were generous enough to share him with all of us who were lucky enough to experience his unicorn presence.”
Father Figure
“He was a father figure to me. He always checked in on me. [James] worried about me, celebrated me, taught me, guided me, and held me through the hardest times and the best of times. He spoiled us rotten.”
“Most of all, he taught us – the kids – how important it is to love and respect one another. To take care of each other. To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. And we did just that.”
Aniston, who posted a series of photos of herself and Burrows from over the years, concluded, “I miss your voice. I miss your laugh. I miss your brilliance. Wherever you are, I hope someone is asking, ‘Where are the kids?'”
Other Tributes
Aniston’s Friends cast-mates also posted tributes to Burrows, with David Schwimmer hailing the director as a “father figure.”
The 59-year-old actor, who played Ross Geller in the sitcom, said, “Jimmy Burrows brought out the best in every actor he ever worked with, and elevated every show he directed, making it funnier and more moving than anyone expected.”
“His warmth, humility and generosity made us feel safe, like family, and I’m sure we weren’t the only cast to feel that way. He looked out for us, on camera and off.”
Meanwhile, Matt LeBlanc wrote that Burrows was a “true icon on so many levels.”
The 58-year-old star, who played Joey Tribbiani in Friends, added, “Well wishes in your next act. You will be missed. God Bless.”