When Cheers first premiered on September 30, 1982, no one could have predicted it would become one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. Spanning 11 seasons until 1993, the show blended sharp writing, memorable performances, and that iconic theme song to etch itself into pop culture. While Cheers ended over three decades ago, its cast continues to impact entertainment—and fans—around the world. Here’s a look at the stars of Cheers, then and now.
Ted Danson: From Sam Malone to sitcom royalty
Ted Danson brought charisma and comedic charm to Sam Malone, the ex-baseball player turned bartender with a wandering eye and a big heart. He played the role for all 11 seasons, earning an Emmy for his performance.
Danson’s career only soared from there. He headlined Becker, became a CSI investigator, and took a villainous turn in Damages. But his most acclaimed recent work came in The Good Place, where he portrayed the morally conflicted architect Michael. More recently, he starred in Mr. Mayor, continuing his streak as one of the most consistently successful sitcom actors in television history.
Shelley Long: The intellectual heart of the bar
Shelley Long made Diane Chambers an unforgettable mix of highbrow intellect and romantic vulnerability. Her performance earned her an Emmy and two Golden Globes. Although she left the show in 1987 after five seasons, she returned for the finale and reprised the role in Frasier.
After Cheers, Long appeared in fan-favorite films such as Troop Beverly Hills and The Brady Bunch Movie. She found recurring TV success as DeDe Pritchett in Modern Family and even voiced a character in Disney’s Milo Murphy’s Law, continuing her presence across generations.
Woody Harrelson: From Naïve bartender to Oscar Nominee
Introduced in season 4 as the lovable and slightly clueless Woody Boyd, Woody Harrelson won over audiences and critics alike, eventually taking home an Emmy.
Post-Cheers, Harrelson transitioned into film with ease, receiving three Oscar nominations for roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. His credits include True Detective, Zombieland, and portraying Joe Biden on SNL. Woody has become one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.
Rhea Perlman: The fiery waitress who stole scenes
As Carla Tortelli, Rhea Perlman’s sharp tongue and relentless energy made her one of the show’s standouts. With four Emmys to her name, she appeared in all 275 episodes.
After Cheers, Perlman appeared in films like Matilda and Poms, and on shows such as The Mindy Project and The Goldbergs. In 2013, she reunited with Kirstie Alley in the sitcom Kirstie, showing that her comedic timing is still as potent as ever.
Kirstie Alley: A late addition who left a big mark
Kirstie Alley stepped into Cheers in 1987 as Rebecca Howe, replacing Shelley Long. Her mix of ambition, insecurity, and dry humor won her an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Off-screen, Alley became a movie star with Look Who’s Talking and its sequels, and headlined Veronica’s Closet. She later embraced reality TV, appearing on Dancing with the Stars and Scream Queens. Kirstie passed away on December 5, 2022, at age 71 after a short battle with colon cancer, remembered as both a beloved actress and devoted mother. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” her children shared in a heartfelt statement.
Kelsey Grammer: Dr. Frasier Crane’s long reign
Kelsey Grammer debuted as psychiatrist Frasier Crane in season 3, eventually earning his own spinoff, Frasier, which ran from 1993 to 2004. His work on the show earned him four Emmys and a place in TV history.
Beyond Frasier, Grammer voiced the nefarious Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons, played Beast in X-Men: The Last Stand, and starred in dramatic roles like Boss. A stage veteran, Grammer has also remained active in film and television, proving his talent knows no genre boundaries.
George Wendt: Norm’s enduring charm
“Norm!” became a weekly cheer every time George Wendt’s character entered the bar. As Norm Peterson, Wendt earned six Emmy nominations and a permanent spot in TV’s hall of fame.
Post-Cheers, he starred in The George Wendt Show and appeared in countless shows and films, including The Goldbergs and Hairspray on Broadway. On May 20, 2025, it was sadly announced that George Wendt passed away at age 76, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and warmth.
John Ratzenberger: Pixar’s good luck charm
As the know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin, John Ratzenberger brought endearing eccentricity to Cheers. After the show, he transitioned to voice acting—most notably for Pixar.
Ratzenberger voiced Hamm the piggy bank in Toy Story and became known as the only actor to appear in every Pixar film. He also hosted the documentary series Made in America, showcasing American manufacturing. His warm voice remains instantly recognizable to audiences of all ages.
Bebe Neuwirth: The sophisticated scene stealer
Bebe Neuwirth played Dr. Lilith Sternin, Frasier’s icy intellectual wife. Her performance earned her two Emmys and later carried into Frasier.
Beyond TV, Neuwirth’s theater career flourished. She won acclaim for Chicago and The Addams Family on Broadway. On screen, she starred in Madam Secretary, and revisited her role as Nora in the Jumanji sequel. Whether on stage or screen, Neuwirth continues to mesmerize.
Legacy that never left the bar
Cheers wasn’t just a show it was a cultural touchstone. It launched careers, inspired spin-offs, and created characters who felt like friends. Decades later, the stars of Cheers continue to shape Hollywood while reminding us all of a place “where everybody knows your name.”
