Let’s be real: if you’ve ever dreamed of walking into a bar where everybody knows your name, chances are Cheers holds a special place in your heart. This legendary Boston sitcom wasn’t just about beer and banter—it was about people, family (chosen or otherwise), and some of the most memorable characters to ever grace television. Decades after the final round was poured, the cast of Cheers is still making headlines, inspiring laughter, and in some cases, leaving us far too soon. Pull up a barstool, because we’re revisiting 10 unforgettable Cheers cast members, what became of them, and how their legacies live on today.
10. A Toast to the Supporting Players
The world of Cheers was so much bigger than just its leads. Nicholas Colasanto, in the role of lovable Coach Ernie Pantusso, added heart and warmth to the show until he died in 1985. Jay Thomas, in the role of Carla’s short-lived husband Eddie LeBec, added his signature humor until he died in 2017. Roger Rees (scamming Robin Colcord) and offbeat bar regulars such as Al Rosen, Doris Grau, Georgia Brown, and even Rhea Perlman’s own father, Philip Perlman, contributed richness to the world of the bar. Most of them are no longer alive, but their spirit lives on every time we watch a rerun.
9. Ted Danson (Sam Malone)
The charming bartender and former Red Sox hurler, Sam Malone, was the heart of Cheers. Ted Danson received two Emmys for the role and has since anchored popular shows such as Becker, CSI, The Good Place, and Mr. Mayor. In real life, he’s an avid environmentalist and happily married to actress Mary Steenburgen. To this day, Danson is keeping busy with new endeavors and recently started a podcast with co-star Woody Harrelson.
8. Shelley Long (Diane Chambers)
As Diane Chambers, Shelley Long mastered the pretentious, intelligent waitress that audiences couldn’t help but cheer for. Her chemistry with Sam Malone became the gold standard for sitcom couples. Long departed after five seasons to pursue other ventures but returned for the series finale and later appeared on Frasier. She’s best known now for appearances on Modern Family, The Money Pit, and voice acting on Milo Murphy’s Law.
7. Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli)
Sassy, sharp-tongued Carla Tortelli, the sassy waitress, was the heart and soul of the bar. Rhea Perlman’s acting earned her four Emmys, and she is still a sitcom legend. Perlman went on to appear in Pearl, The Mindy Project, and even the Barbie film. She has written children’s books and remained close with cast members. Although she and Danny DeVito broke up in 2017, they are lifelong partners in every sense.
6. John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin)
No trivia question was too esoteric for Cliff Clavin, courtesy of John Ratzenberger’s side-splitting performance. Interesting fact: Cliff was his own invention—a concept he brought to the table at his audition. Post-Cheers, Ratzenberger became a mainstay of Pixar, voicing Hamm for Toy Story, Mack for Cars, and many more. He’s also hosted Made in America and still acts today.
5. Kelsey Grammer (Frasier Crane)
What was to be a temporary gig became an empire on TV. Kelsey Grammer’s performance as Dr. Frasier Crane spawned the hugely popular spinoff Frasier, which ran for 11 seasons and won 37 Emmys. He’s since reprised his role in a new Frasier revival, continued to voice Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons, and is a theatrical and TV powerhouse.
4. Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith Sternin)
Deadpan genius from Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin, Frasier’s chilly but adorable live-in, earned her two Emmys on Cheers. She also acted on Frasier, while making it big on Broadway in such hits as Chicago and Sweet Charity. She’s worked on Madam Secretary, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and still gets along perfectly on stage and screen.
3. Woody Harrelson (Woody Boyd)
When Woody Harrelson took over as bartender Woody Boyd upon Coach’s death, he had audiences immediately in his corner. He won an Emmy for the part and six nominations, but his career didn’t exactly plateau. Harrelson proceeded to get three Oscar nods and appear in everything from Natural Born Killers to Zombieland, The Hunger Games, and True Detective. An outspoken activist, he still doesn’t shirk from tackling new risks.
2. Kirstie Alley (Rebecca Howe)
Kirstie Alley came aboard as Rebecca Howe, the neurotic and ambitious manager who provided new vitality for the bar following Shelley Long’s departure. Alley received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role before going on to star in Look Who’s Talking, Veronica’s Closet, and cult classics like Drop Dead Gorgeous. She discussed openly her personal demons and gave credit to Scientology for overcoming them. Alley died of colon cancer in December 2022 at age 71, leaving behind a legacy of quick-witted comedic genius.
1. George Wendt (Norm Peterson)
When Norm entered the bar, all the patrons yelled his name, and millions at home did as well. George Wendt’s performance as Peterson, the affable accountant with an endless beer mug, made him one of television’s most beloved everymen. Wendt was in every one of the 275 episodes and received six Emmy nominations in the process. He also performed well on stage, appearing in Hairspray, Art, and Elf.
Sadly, George Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20, 2025, at 76, precisely 32 years since the end of Cheers. The accolades came swiftly and sincerely: Rhea Perlman recalled him as “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,” while John Ratzenberger referred to him as “a true craftsman—humble, hilarious, and full of heart.” Wendt’s impact isn’t Norm—it’s the happiness he brought to generations of viewers.
From Coach’s malapropisms to Norm’s one-liners, Cheers provided us with more than a belly laugh—it provided us with family. Years later, the cast’s tales remind us that even when the bar is closed, the friendships (and the memories) endure.