It’s hard to overstate how much the sitcom Cheers shaped television history and launched the careers of several beloved stars.
This week, fans and friends said goodbye to one of its most iconic faces, George Wendt, who passed away at the age of 76.
His role as Norm Peterson, the easygoing bar regular with a heart of gold, became a cornerstone of the show’s charm.
Cheers first hit the airwaves more than four decades ago, on September 30, 1982, and ran for an impressive 11 seasons with 275 episodes.
It didn’t just entertain — it helped make stars out of its cast, including Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer, and of course, George Wendt himself.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see where the cast members ended up after Cheers and how they shaped their own remarkable journeys.
George Wendt: The Man Behind Norm
George Wendt kept a pretty low profile in recent years, largely staying out of the spotlight.
Last spotted in public in late 2024, he appeared frail but surrounded by the love of his wife Bernadette Birkett, who famously voiced the mysterious Vera on Cheers.
They were married for 45 years and raised three children together in Los Angeles.
Despite some health challenges — including a hospital stay back in 2012 — Wendt remained private about his condition.
Before he became Norm, George was from Chicago and had an unlikely start to his acting career, even getting expelled from the University of Notre Dame for poor grades.
He began humbly, sweeping floors at a theater before landing guest roles on shows like Taxi and MASH*, which led to his big break on Cheers.
Beyond Cheers, George appeared in various TV shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Columbo, and was beloved for his recurring role on Saturday Night Live’s “Bill Swerski’s Superfans,” a tribute to Chicago sports fans.
In 2021, tragedy struck his family when his cousin, also named George Wendt, drowned in Lake Michigan.
Wendt’s last acting role was in the TV movie Love’s Second Act.
Fans had a warm farewell to him at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where he reunited with several Cheers co-stars for a nostalgic recreation of the show’s famous bar scene.
Ted Danson: From Sam Malone to TV Legend
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, was one of the three actors to appear in every Cheers episode.
Sam was a charming ex-baseball player with a complicated past and a talent for running the bar that gave the show its name.
Offscreen, Ted is happily married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995, whom he met on set in 1993.
He often speaks lovingly about her, describing their relationship as full of laughter and admiration.
After Cheers, Ted’s career flourished with standout roles in shows like Becker, Fargo, CSI, and The Good Place.
He even starred in Mr. Mayor and currently leads Netflix’s A Man On The Inside, a detective comedy featuring his real-life wife.
Ted’s dedication extends beyond acting; he’s a pescatarian and outspoken ocean conservation advocate.
He’s earned 11 consecutive Emmy nominations for his Cheers role, winning twice.
Kirstie Alley: Tough and Talented Rebecca Howe
Kirstie Alley stepped into Cheers in Season 6, replacing Shelley Long as Rebecca Howe, the no-nonsense businesswoman.
She won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role in 1991.
Kirstie had a strong film career before and after Cheers, including roles in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and the Look Who’s Talking series.
She remained active in entertainment until her death at age 72 in December 2022, after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
Kirstie was also known for her support of Scientology and her outspoken political views, which sometimes sparked controversy.
Shelley Long: The Original Diane Chambers
Shelley Long made her mark as Diane Chambers, the smart and sophisticated waitress whose love-hate relationship with Sam Malone was Cheers’ central romance.
She left the show after Season 5 but returned for guest appearances, including on Frasier.
Though Shelley reportedly had some tensions with the show’s producers, she remains a cherished figure among fans.
She lives quietly in Los Angeles and has kept a low public profile in recent years.
Kelsey Grammer: The Rise of Frasier Crane
Kelsey Grammer joined Cheers in Season 3 as psychiatrist Frasier Crane, originally a guest role that quickly became permanent.
His character was so popular he got his own spin-off, Frasier, which ran for 11 seasons and earned multiple Emmy Awards.
After Frasier, Grammer acted in films and lent his voice to beloved characters, including Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons. He married four times and has seven children.
Though the recent Frasier reboot on Paramount+ was canceled after two seasons, Grammer continues working, including a role reprising his X-Men character in an upcoming Marvel film.
Woody Harrelson: From Bartender to Hollywood Star
Woody Harrelson arrived in Season 4 as Woody Boyd, the lovable bartender.
It was his first acting gig, but he quickly became a major star, known for roles in films like No Country for Old Men, The Hunger Games, and HBO’s True Detective.
He’s earned three Oscar nominations and is recognized for his activism, vegan lifestyle, and athletic pursuits, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Woody is a devoted family man with three daughters and a longtime wife, Laura Louie.
Rhea Perlman: The Feisty Carla Tortelli
Rhea Perlman portrayed Carla Tortelli, the sharp-tongued waitress with a famously fiery temper.
She appeared in every episode and remains beloved for her comedic timing and memorable character.
Married to Danny DeVito since 1982, the couple has had an on-and-off relationship but remain close friends.
Perlman continues to act, appearing in recent hit projects like Barbie (2023) and TV shows including Poker Face.
John Ratzenberger: Cliff Clavin and Pixar Voice Star
John Ratzenberger played the lovable know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin, known for his endless trivia and awkward social skills.
Beyond Cheers, he gained fame as the voice of Hamm the piggy bank in Toy Story and appeared in several Pixar films.
A Connecticut native, Ratzenberger also acted in blockbuster films like Superman and The Empire Strikes Back.
Politically, he’s a vocal Republican and supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Cheers wasn’t just a show about a bar; it was a launching pad for some of TV’s most enduring talents.
While we remember George Wendt and his unforgettable Norm Peterson, it’s clear the legacy of Cheers lives on through its remarkable cast and the countless fans who still raise a glass to them.