David Bridges
Cheers, a groundbreaking sitcom, captivated audiences from 1982 to 1993, establishing itself as one of the most cherished TV shows in history. This iconic comedy series not only entertained viewers but also propelled the careers of stars like Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Kelsey Grammer into the limelight. Moreover, its theme song has become a cultural touchstone, widely recognized as one of the most memorable TV tunes ever created. The combination of stellar writing, beloved characters, and exceptional performances solidified Cheers as a cornerstone of American television.
Decades have passed since the show first aired, and it has been over 27 years since the cast bid their heartfelt farewells during the series finale. For many actors involved, Cheers served as the launching pad for their illustrious careers in the entertainment industry. As we look back on this classic series, we invite you to explore the remarkable transformations of the cast members and discover what they are currently pursuing in their professional lives. Their journeys reflect the lasting impact of Cheers on their careers and the television landscape.
Ted Danson
Ted Danson brought to life the unforgettable character of Sam Malone, a charming bartender, throughout all 11 seasons of Cheers. His outstanding performance earned him an Emmy Award, showcasing his exceptional talent. Following his tenure on Cheers, Ted starred in the hit sitcom Becker, where he further demonstrated his comedic prowess. He also took on significant roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the gripping legal drama Damages, and the critically acclaimed series Fargo. One of his most celebrated roles in recent years was as Michael in the acclaimed sitcom The Good Place, where he starred alongside the talented Kristen Bell. In 2021, he made waves again with his leading role in the sitcom Mr. Mayor, showcasing his enduring appeal in the television industry.
Shelley Long
Shelley Long played the beloved character Diane Chambers, whose charm and wit captivated audiences. Her exceptional performance earned her the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1983, along with two Golden Globe Awards. Although Shelley departed from the show after season 5 in 1987, she made a special return for the 1993 series finale, delighting fans. Additionally, she reprised her role in the Cheers spinoff, Frasier, further solidifying her connection to the franchise. After her time on Cheers, Shelley starred in several notable films such as Troop Beverly Hills, The Brady Bunch Movie, A Very Brady Sequel, and Dr. T & The Women. She also made memorable guest appearances, including her role as DeDe Pritchett on the hit series Modern Family, and lent her voice to Grandma Murphy in the animated series Milo Murphy’s Law.
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson joined the cast as bartender Woody Boyd in season 4, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His exceptional performance garnered him an Emmy Award, showcasing his talent and comedic timing. Following his time on Cheers, Woody transitioned to a highly successful film career, earning three Oscar nominations for his roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. He starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in the critically acclaimed first season of True Detective, which received widespread praise from both audiences and critics. Woody’s recent film credits include Midway and the comedic sequel Zombieland: Double Tap. Additionally, he made a memorable appearance as Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live in 2019 and starred in the Venom sequel, further solidifying his status as a versatile actor in Hollywood.
Rhea Perlman
Rhea Perlman portrayed Carla Tortelli, the fiery waitress, throughout all 275 episodes of Cheers, earning accolades for her remarkable performance, including four Emmy Awards. Following her time on the show, she continued to shine in the film industry, appearing in movies such as Matilda, Canadian Bacon, and Poms. Rhea also reunited with her Cheers co-star Kirstie Alley on the sitcom Kirstie in 2013, reigniting their on-screen chemistry. Additionally, she took on the role of Annette Castellano in The Mindy Project and has made guest appearances on popular shows like The Goldbergs and Harley Quinn, showcasing her enduring talent in both comedy and drama.
Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley joined the Cheers cast in 1987, taking on the role of Rebecca Howe, and quickly became a standout character. Her remarkable performance earned her both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, further establishing her as a talented actress. During her time on Cheers, Kirstie starred in the popular film Look Who’s Talking and its two sequels, which were significant box office hits. She also appeared in films like It Takes Two and Deconstructing Harry. After Cheers, she headlined the sitcom Veronica’s Closet for three seasons and showcased her dancing abilities on Dancing With the Stars during seasons 12 and 15. More recently, she played Ingrid Hoffel in season 2 of Scream Queens and starred in the 2020 Lifetime movie You Can’t Take My Daughter. Beyond her acting career, Kirstie served as a spokesperson for Pier One and Jenny Craig. Tragically, she passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71 after a brief battle with colon cancer, leaving behind her two children, William and Lillie, who announced her passing on her official Twitter account.
“To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” the statement began. “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer first made his mark as Frasier Crane in 1984, captivating audiences with his sophisticated humor and charm until the show concluded in 1993. His portrayal of Frasier was so beloved that it led to the successful spinoff Frasier, which aired from 1993 to 2004, winning him four Emmy Awards along the way. Kelsey is also recognized for his iconic voice role as Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons and for portraying Mayor Tom Kane in the critically acclaimed drama series Boss. In the film industry, Kelsey made a notable appearance as Dr. McCoy / Beast in X-Men: The Last Stand, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Beyond television and film, Kelsey is an accomplished stage actor, having performed in various theatrical productions, and he even guest-starred in an episode of Carol’s Second Act as well as in the film Money Plane, further expanding his impressive portfolio.
George Wendt
George Wendt portrayed the lovable Norm Peterson on Cheers, a character who became iconic for his humorous one-liners and relatable personality. His outstanding performances earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, highlighting his talent and popularity. After the series concluded in 1993, George starred in his own show, The George Wendt Show, although it only lasted six episodes. Nevertheless, he remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in various TV shows and films over the years. Notably, he took on the role of Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of Hairspray and made guest appearances in shows like The Goldbergs, the TV movie Christmas 9 to 5, and the film Stealing A Survivor, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
On May 20, 2025, it was announced that George Wendt had died at the age of 76.
John Ratzenberger
John Ratzenberger is best remembered for his role as the quirky mail carrier Cliff Clavin on Cheers, where he became a fan favorite with his memorable catchphrases and humorous anecdotes. After the 11-season success of Cheers, John transitioned into voice acting, famously voicing Hamm in the beloved Toy Story franchise, including all three sequels. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only voice actor to appear in every Pixar film, further solidifying his legacy in animation. In addition to his voice work, John has made appearances in various television shows over the years, including 8 Simple Rules, Drop Dead Diva, and Legit. He also notably stepped in for Vincent Pastore on Dancing With the Stars after Vincent’s departure and hosted the documentary series Made In America from 2004 to 2008, displaying his versatility beyond acting.
Bebe Neuwirth
Bebe Neuwirth portrayed Dr. Lilith Sternin, the intelligent and witty wife of Frasier, on both Cheers and its spinoff Frasier. Her remarkable talent earned her two Emmy Awards for her portrayal, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the series. In addition to her television success, Bebe is a celebrated Broadway actress known for her performances. After Cheers, she starred as Velma Kelly in the 1996 revival of Chicago and also played the iconic Morticia Addams in The Addams Family on Broadway. Bebe continued to make her mark in television, portraying Nadine Tolliver in the CBS series Madam Secretary. Additionally, she reprised her role as Nora Shepherd in the 1995 film Jumanji and returned for the 2019 film Jumanji: The Next Level, showcasing her enduring appeal across generations.
Troy Sanders
