Thursday, December 01, 2022

Book review - "Directed by James Burrows" by James Burrows

 Terrific memoir. Son of Abe Burrows, so that's interesting. Did a lot of theatre, including the legendary Breakfast at Tiffany's. Formed a relationship with Mary Tyler Moore that led to a big time sitcom career. Stayed in the three camera space for most of the time.

Very positive and upbeat. Lots of good tips. Insight into hits like Taxi, Cheers, Friends, Will and Grace. Would've liked to have heard more about the flops. On Patrners he points out the cop wasn't macho enough and says Ryan O'Neal would've been perfect as the gay cop - good idea. Ditto Matthew Perry should've played Felix in The Odd Couple. Didn't like Rob Schneider in Men Behaving Badly - said that needed a loveable person to make it watchable like the British version. On Frasier they had to tone down Frasier and make Niles the real Frasier. They sacked Lisa Kudrow from that show.

Great read.

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