Some of the most nostalgic television shows from a distant past have come out decades ago, but one of the best shows for ’80s and early ’90s nostalgia isCheers. Set in Boston, many of the show’s characters gather around a bar–hence the nameCheers–to discuss their lives, problems, and build relationships with each other. Despite not being popular upon its release, the show bounced back to be one of the most iconic shows of the decade, running for 11 years before deciding to call it quits. A spin-off eventuallyfound its way into the world, continuing the series differently.
However, some big actors appeared on-screen inCheers, and others found their breakthrough in the beloved television show. With the show’s excellent writing, they truly made everything on the television come alive in a vibrant way, making this such a memorable show. How many of these stars can you remember from the show?
10Rhea Perlman
Born in New York City, one of the most defining roles thatRhea Perlmanhas taken on throughout her career is the character Carla Tortelli inCheers. Perlman appeared on the series throughout its 11-year run from 1982 to 1993, making her one of the most decorated and nominated actors in the cast. However, it wasn’t the only big role throughout her career, even if it is her most well-known one, and Pearlman remains one of the most respected names in the industry today.
A Diverse Filmography
Perlman actually began her career 10 years prior to the first episode ofCheersairing, and has continued to do great things throughout the years. Fans can catch her in the likes of the originalMatildamovie, as well as the 2023 hitBarbie,as Ruth Handler.
9Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelsonhas become one of the most beloved stars throughout Hollywood’s immense film releases, and he has proven to be such a solid actor. However, Harrelson first became known for his role onCheers: Woody Boyd. A main character in the show’s cast after the fourth season, Woody was a beloved character and bartender, seen all the way through the show’s sixth season. In addition to the show, he makes an appearance in the spin-off,Frasier.
The Beginning of a Massive Career
SinceCheers, Harrelson has managed to snag several big award nominations throughout the years for his work in movies likeThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, MissouriandThe Messenger. He was also a fan favorite inThe Hunger Gamesfranchise.
8Shelley Long
InCheers, the character Diane Chambers was portrayed byShelley Long. Diane had her first appearance in the series beginning, and she has just been dumped by someone she’s been seeing. Working as a bar waitress, she has several other relationships with the characters that end up in dicey territory sometimes. Despite this, Long left the series after the fifth season and the character was written out of the show.
Continuing on Television
After Long leftCheers, she continued her career and still appeared in television shows and movies. OnModern Family,she portrayed the character DeDe Pritchett, which was one of her more prominent roles after leavingCheers. For her work onCheers, she was nominated for several awards.
7George Wendt
Throughout the course ofCheers, only one customer appeared consistently for more than two hundred episodes: Norm Peterson.George Wendtportrayed the character, and is known to be one of the few characters that has managed to appear in every single episode of the television show. Considered to be the best customer of the bar, he shows up even when times are tough, and he needs to nurse a drink to get through it.
Prolific Comedy Careers
George Wendt continued to work in the industry after the conclusion ofCheers, just as he had done before. He had his own show,The George Wendt Show, although it only lasted six episodes before being pulled by the network. He could also be seen inKing of Masked Singerin 2023, busting out his singing voice for the nation to hear.
Related:Ted Danson Shoots Down Any Possibility of a Cheers Return
6Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer’s career hit all-new levels after he appeared inCheersas Dr. Frasier Crane, who made his debut in the third season of the beloved television series. Originally intended to just be a love interest for Diane, Frasier continued to appear throughout the course of the series, then got his own spin-off:Frasier. In 2023, the spin-off was rebooted and continued, showing the popularity of the character.
Still Popular After All These Years
As the success ofFrasiershows, despite Grammersaying he wouldn’t come back, people loved Grammer’s character, even decades after the release of the original television series. In addition to his television work, Grammer has had success with stage acting, and even made appearances in theX-Menfranchise and 2023’sThe Marvels.
5Bebe Neuwirth
Some ofBebe Neuwirth’s most iconic roles have been on the stage, as the actress has landed several Tony Awards for her work on Broadway, but in the television world, she had her big break onCheers. In the series, she portrayed Dr. Lilith Sternin, the eventual wife of Frasier Crane. In the beginning, the two fight and don’t get along, but throughout the course of the series, they learn to like each other more than just friends.
Beginnings of a Career Beyond the Stage
When Neuwirth first landed the role inCheers, it was a breakthrough into the television world. Her character wasn’t intended to stay in the series long, but with her arrival, it completely changed the course of the series. After that, Neuwirth increasingly began appearing in more films and shows.
4John Ratzenberger
The character of Clifford Clavin, portrayed byJohn Ratzenberger, was a constant throughout the first nine seasons ofCheers, making his debut in the series’ first episode. Originally intended to not exist at all in the world of the series, the writers added him in as someone who not only is Norm’s best friend, but is a classic know-it-all.
A Regular at Pixar
Since appearing onCheers, one of Ratzenberger’s biggest roles was inToy Storyas the voice of Hamm, a plastic piggy bank. He would have a role in Pixar’s first 22 films, and appeared in a myriad of other movies and television shows throughout the years.
Related:Cheers Co-Creator James Burrows Debunks Possible Reboot: “No, You’re Not Going To Touch That”
3Kirstie Alley
The character of Rebecca Howe made her debut onCheersin 1987, right in the first episode of season six of the show. Portrayed byKirstie Alley, the character is a replacement for Diane, and is the bar’s new manager after it was acquired by a bigger corporation. Highly put together and corporate like, Rebecca is the new romantic affections of the character Sam, despite her actively rejecting him.
New Career Beginnings
Kirstie Alley continued acting all the way upuntil her death, and was even on the popular seriesVeronica’s Closetand even made an appearance inScream Queens. However, Alley was the only member of the original cast not to return to the spin-off,Frasier, due to how the content of the series conflicted with her religious beliefs.
2Emma Thompson
In the 10th season ofCheers, DameEmma Thompsonherself made a grand appearance as the character Nanette Guzman. She only appears in the show for one episode as Nanette, who is the former wife of Frasier who’s lost contact over the years. Nanette goes by Nanny, and is well-known throughout the city as a children’s entertainer. While Nanette appears in later episodes andFrasier, Thompson did not return to the show.
Right Before Rising to Acclaim
Emma Thompson wasn’t as big as an actress when she first appeared onCheers, but after her appearance on the show, it was a quick rise to the top. Now one of the most celebrated and decorated actors in English-language cinema, she has become a staple in the movie world.
1Christopher Lloyd
WhileChristopher Lloydis best known for his work in theBack to the Futurefranchise, some of the biggest fans might only know about his appearances in two differentCheersepisodes. Back in 1984, Lloyd played the character Phillip inCheers, a painter who wanted to make a work of art based on Diane. While Diane wanted it to happen, Sam was not too happy at the thought of this, and the painting that was then created led to the two of them breaking it off, leaving season two on a cliffhanger.
Only a Year BeforeBack to the Future
Lloyd had not yet been inBack to the Futurewhen hisCheersepisodes came out, as the movie was released in 1985. He did not return toCheersafter season two, as his character arc was finished, being the momentum leading to Diane and Sam’s breakup.
