1. Ted Danson
Ted Danson became a true television legend by playing Sam Malone, the smooth-talking bartender and former baseball pitcher on Cheers. He played this iconic role for all 11 seasons, from the show’s premiere in 1982 until its emotional finale on May 20, 1993. Even after the bar closed its doors, Danson didn’t slow down. He successfully moved on to other major hits like Becker, which ran from 1998 to 2004, and the critically acclaimed comedy The Good Place. More recently, in 2024, he took on a lead role in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside, proving that his charm and acting skills are just as strong today as they were forty years ago.
Now 78 years old, Danson is celebrated not just for his acting, but also for his long-standing commitment to ocean conservation. His character, Sam Malone, was the heartbeat of the show, the cool, flirty center of every conversation. For many viewers, Sam represented the ultimate friend and a symbol of 1980s cool. Ted’s ability to reinvent himself over the decades has kept him in the spotlight, making him one of the most successful sitcom stars in history. Whether he is playing a demon in the afterlife or a private investigator, he remains a beloved figure who defines what it means to have a lasting career in Hollywood.
2. Rhea Perlman
Rhea Perlman won the hearts of millions as Carla Tortelli, the feisty, sharp-tongued waitress who never backed down from a fight. She was a mainstay on Cheers for its entire run, winning four Emmy Awards for her performance between 1984 and 1989. After the show ended in 1993, Perlman stayed very busy in the industry. She starred in her own sitcom, Pearl, and appeared in classic family films like Matilda in 1996 alongside her then-husband, Danny DeVito. Most recently, she delighted a whole new generation of fans with a meaningful cameo in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie, showing that she still has that same spark and talent at 76 years old.
Carla was famous for her “tough-as-nails” attitude and her hilarious rivalries with the bar’s high-society customers. Off-screen, Perlman is known for being much kinder than her character, though she still carries that same spunky energy. She has spent a lot of her later career doing voice work for animated shows and taking on guest roles that highlight her comedic timing. Rhea remains a shining example of how a character actor can build a massive, decades-long career by staying true to their unique style. Fans still love her for the grit and warmth she brought to the screen, making Carla one of the most relatable characters in TV history.
3. John Ratzenberger
John Ratzenberger played Cliff Clavin, the local mail carrier who seemed to have a “fun fact” for every possible situation. Cliff was the ultimate barroom know-it-all, and Ratzenberger played him with a perfect mix of humor and sincerity from 1982 to 1993. However, many younger fans today might recognize his voice better than his face. Since Cheers ended, John has become a legendary voice actor for Pixar Animation Studios. He famously voiced Hamm the piggy bank in Toy Story (1995), Mack the truck in Cars (2006), and characters in almost every Pixar film for over two decades, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time in terms of box office success.
At 77 years old, Ratzenberger continues to be a familiar presence in American pop culture. While Cliff Clavin was often the butt of the joke for his questionable trivia, John has used his real-life platform to advocate for American manufacturing and skilled trades. He even hosted a travel show called Made in America for several years. His journey from a humble improv actor to a staple of the Disney-Pixar universe is truly impressive. Even though he’s moved on to massive movie franchises, he will always be remembered as the man in the blue postal uniform who could turn any conversation into a long-winded history lesson at everyone’s favorite Boston pub.
4. Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer first appeared as Dr. Frasier Crane in the third season of Cheers in 1984. Originally meant to be a temporary character and a love interest for Diane Chambers, Frasier was so popular with audiences that he became a series regular. When Cheers finished in 1993, Grammer didn’t say goodbye to the character. Instead, he moved to Seattle for the spin-off Frasier, which ran for another 11 seasons until 2004. This incredible run made him one of the few actors to play the same character for 20 consecutive years. In 2023, he even returned for a successful revival of the show, proving that the world still isn’t tired of the snobby but lovable psychiatrist.
Now 70 years old, Grammer has earned five Emmy Awards and has worked extensively in theater, including big Broadway productions like La Cage aux Folles. His deep, booming voice is also iconic; he has voiced the villainous Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons since 1990. Frasier Crane brought a level of sophisticated wit to the bar that contrasted perfectly with the more down-to-earth regulars. Kelsey’s ability to balance high-brow comedy with physical slapstick is what made him a superstar. His career is a masterclass in how to take a supporting role and turn it into a cultural phenomenon that spans multiple generations of television viewers.
5. Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson joined the cast of Cheers in 1985 as the naive but sweet bartender Woody Boyd. He was brought in to fill the void left by the passing of Nicholas Colasanto, and he immediately won over the audience with his innocent charm. After the show wrapped in 1993, Harrelson’s career took an incredible turn toward the big screen. He moved away from his “dim-witted” sitcom persona to become a powerhouse dramatic actor. He starred in massive hits like White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Natural Born Killers (1994), and eventually the global phenomenon The Hunger Games starting in 2012. He has since been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Today, at 64, Harrelson is arguably the most famous movie star to come out of the Cheers ensemble. Despite his massive success in Hollywood blockbusters and gritty HBO dramas like True Detective, he has never forgotten his roots at the bar in Boston. Woody Boyd’s simple-minded humor provided a fresh energy that helped the show stay popular in its later years. Harrelson’s transition from a goofy TV bartender to a respected A-list actor is one of the most impressive transformations in entertainment history. He remains incredibly active in the industry, constantly choosing diverse and challenging roles that keep audiences guessing what he will do next.
6. Shelley Long
Shelley Long played Diane Chambers, the intellectual and often over-the-top waitress whose “will-they-won’t-they” romance with Sam Malone defined the early years of Cheers. Long stayed with the show for five seasons, from 1982 to 1987, winning an Emmy and two Golden Globes for her performance. She famously decided to leave the series at the height of its popularity to pursue a film career and spend more time with her family. During that time, she starred in the cult classic Troop Beverly Hills (1989) and later played Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie in 1995.
Now 76 years old, Long has made various guest appearances over the years, most notably as the hilarious and eccentric DeDe Pritchett on Modern Family between 2009 and 2018. While some fans were shocked when she left Cheers early, her character’s impact on the show’s legacy is undeniable. Diane was the perfect foil for Sam’s blue-collar attitude, and their chemistry is still talked about as some of the best in TV history. Shelley’s portrayal of a complicated, educated woman in a dive bar brought a unique depth to the sitcom genre. Today, she is remembered as a vital part of the show’s golden era and a talented actress who helped set the standard for modern comedy.
7. Bebe Neuwirth
Bebe Neuwirth joined the Cheers family in 1986 as Dr. Lilith Sternin, the stern and incredibly pale psychiatrist who eventually married Frasier Crane. Her performance was so perfectly dry and robotic that she won two Emmy Awards for the role. After her time on Cheers and guest spots on Frasier, Neuwirth went on to become a true queen of the Broadway stage. She is a highly decorated dancer and singer, winning two Tony Awards for her incredible work in Sweet Charity and the smash-hit musical Chicago. She also appeared in popular films like Jumanji (1995) and more recently in the The Flight Attendant on HBO.
Lilith was a fan favorite because she was so different from everyone else in the bar; her cold logic and lack of emotion made her the perfect “straight man” for the show’s jokes. Even at 67, Neuwirth remains a powerhouse in the entertainment world, frequently moving between television, film, and live theater. Her career shows a remarkable amount of range, proving that she is far more than just the “ice queen” character she played in the 80s. Bebe’s ability to maintain a high-profile career on both the screen and the stage is a testament to her immense talent and the strong foundation she built during her years in Boston.
8. George Wendt
George Wendt was the man behind Norm Peterson, the most loyal customer in television history. Every time he walked into the bar, the entire cast would shout “Norm!” in unison, a greeting that became one of the most famous catchphrases in the world. Wendt appeared in every single one of the 275 episodes of Cheers between 1982 and 1993. Sadly, the world lost this comedy giant in May 2025 at the age of 76. His passing was deeply felt by fans, occurring right around the anniversary of the show’s finale, which added a poignant layer of sadness for those who grew up watching him.
After Cheers, Wendt continued to work steadily in both movies and on stage, including a famous stint as Edna Turnblad in the musical Hairspray on Broadway. He also became a favorite on Saturday Night Live as one of the “Chicago Superfans.” Norm Peterson was the soul of the bar, a simple man who just wanted a cold beer and a place where everybody knew his name. Wendt’s portrayal made Norm feel like a real friend to millions of viewers. His legacy as the quintessential “regular” ensures that whenever people think of Cheers, they will always hear that iconic shout of his name echoing through the bar.
9. Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley arrived on the scene in 1987 as Rebecca Howe, the high-strung and ambitious bar manager who replaced Diane Chambers. Taking over for a beloved character is never easy, but Alley’s comedic timing and vulnerability quickly won over the audience. She won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role in 1991. Outside of the bar, she was a major movie star, leading the hit Look Who’s Talking trilogy alongside John Travolta. Tragically, Kirstie passed away in December 2022 at the age of 71 after a brief and private battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and bold performances.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Alley remained a constant presence in the media, starring in the sitcom Veronica’s Closet and later becoming a reality TV star and advocate for health and wellness. Rebecca Howe was a different kind of character for the show, someone who desperately wanted to be successful but often found herself failing in hilarious ways. Kirstie’s vibrant personality and willingness to poke fun at herself made her a relatable figure for many. Her death was a significant loss to the entertainment community, and her former co-stars shared many touching tributes about her kindness and her unique, infectious sense of humor.
10. Nicholas Colasanto
Nicholas Colasanto was the original heart of Cheers, playing the lovable and often confused bartender Ernie “Coach” Pantusso. Before becoming an actor, Colasanto served in the Navy during World War II and was a respected television director. He played Coach from the very first episode in 1982 until 1985. Sadly, during the production of the third season, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 61. His death was a massive blow to the cast and crew, who viewed him as a father figure on set. The show eventually addressed his absence in a very touching way, keeping his memory alive throughout the remaining seasons.
Coach was known for his “slow” but sweet nature and his ability to give surprisingly good advice when it mattered most. Even after he was gone, a photo of Geronimo that belonged to Colasanto remained hanging on the set’s wall as a tribute to him. His influence on the early success of the show cannot be overstated; he provided the warmth and innocence that balanced out the sharper wit of the other characters. Even though he was only on the show for a few years, fans still remember Coach as one of the most endearing characters in TV history. His legacy is one of kindness and the gentle spirit he brought to the bar.
11. Paul Willson
Paul Willson played the role of Paul Krapence, the quietly sarcastic regular who was a permanent fixture at the bar. While he wasn’t one of the main stars, he appeared in over 80 episodes between 1982 and 1993, usually sitting right next to Norm and Cliff. Before his time in the spotlight, Willson was a highly respected member of the “Off the Wall” improv group and had a solid career as a character actor and playwright. Tragically, it was reported by several major news outlets that Willson passed away in October 2024 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of being one of the most reliable faces in television history.
The character of Paul was essential because he made the bar feel like a real place with real regulars who didn’t always need a big storyline to be part of the community. He was the king of the “background” joke, often delivering a dry one-liner that would catch the audience off guard. Beyond the walls of the Boston pub, he had a busy career with guest spots on hits like The Larry Sanders Show and The Big Bang Theory. His death was mourned quietly by long-time fans who realized that even though he wasn’t the lead, the show wouldn’t have felt like “home” without his constant, familiar presence at the end of the counter.
12. Al Rosen
Al Rosen played the character simply known as “Al,” a grumpy but lovable older regular who often sat at the bar making blunt observations. He also played the owner of the rival bar, Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern, in some of the show’s funniest “Prank War” episodes. Interestingly, Al was not a professional actor for most of his life; he was a successful businessman who didn’t start his television career until he was much older. He became a cult favorite among fans for his deadpan delivery and his ability to shut down Sam Malone’s ego with just a few words. Rosen lived a long and full life, passing away in December 2017 at the age of 87.
Although he didn’t have as many lines as the main cast, Al represented the older generation of Bostonians who added a layer of grit and reality to the show. He was part of an era of television where “recurring characters” were just as important as the stars for building a believable world. For many viewers, seeing Al at the bar was a reminder that Cheers was a neighborhood spot for everyone, young and old. Even though he didn’t pursue many other roles in Hollywood after the show ended, his contribution to the atmosphere of the series remains a cherished part of the show’s history for those who remember every face at the bar.
