For 11 seasons (1982–1993), Cheers welcomed viewers into a Boston bar where “everybody knows your name.” The NBC sitcom, which won 28 Primetime Emmy Awards, became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, heart, and unforgettable characters like Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, and Norm Peterson. The Cheers cast reunited at the 2024 Emmy Awards, sparking nostalgia and reminding fans of the show’s enduring legacy. Tragically, the reunion was bittersweet, as George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm, passed away on May 20, 2025, at 76. As we honor George Wendt’s legacy and reflect on the Cheers cast reunion, let’s explore where the Cheers cast is now, their careers, and their impact on entertainment.
George Wendt’s Legacy: Norm Peterson’s Enduring Charm
George Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson, the beer-loving accountant, was a cornerstone of Cheers. Appearing in all 275 episodes, Wendt’s deadpan humor and iconic “Norm!” greeting made him a fan favorite. His six Emmy nominations (1984–1989) for Outstanding Supporting Actor underscored his comedic brilliance. Wendt’s George Wendt career extended beyond Cheers, with roles in films like Fletch (1985), The Little Rascals (1994), and Spice World (1997), and Broadway performances in Hairspray (2002) as Edna Turnblad and Elf (2010) as Santa Claus. He also appeared as Bob Swerski in Saturday Night Live’s “Chicago Superfans” sketches and competed on The Masked Singer as “Moose” in 2023.
Wendt’s Chicago roots, honed at Second City comedy from 1974 to 1980, shaped his improvisational skills. Born in 1948, he married Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm’s unseen wife, Vera, and raised three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. His nephew, Jason Sudeikis, credited Wendt’s humor as an inspiration. Following Wendt’s passing, his family confirmed he died peacefully in his sleep, though the cause remains undisclosed. Tributes from co-stars like Ted Danson, who called him “a brother,” and fans on social media celebrated his warmth and Norm Peterson Cheers legacy. The Cheers Boston pub declared, “Norm’s stool is forever reserved.”
Ted Danson: From Sam Malone to Hollywood Icon
Ted Danson’s Sam Malone, the charming ex-Red Sox pitcher and bar owner, was the heart of Cheers. His on-again, off-again romance with Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) drove early seasons, earning him 11 Emmy nominations and two wins. Danson’s post-Cheers career flourished with roles in Three Men and a Baby (1987), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Becker (1998–2004), The Good Place (2016–2020), and Mr. Mayor (2021–2022). In 2025, Danson stars in The Electric State and Last Breath, showcasing his versatility at 77.
Danson, married to Mary Steenburgen since 1995, remains active in Hollywood and environmental advocacy. At the 2024 Emmys, he led the Cheers cast reunion, saying, “This feels nice to be here in front of you.” His reflections on Cheers highlight its lasting impact: “It still makes me laugh,” he told Entertainment Tonight in 2022. Danson’s chemistry with co-stars and leadership on set cemented his status as a TV legend.
Shelley Long: Diane Chambers’ Complicated Journey
Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers, the intellectual waitress, brought wit and tension to Cheers, especially through her romance with Sam. Long earned five Emmy nominations, winning in 1983, but left after season five to focus on films and family. She starred in The Money Pit (1986) and Troop Beverly Hills (1989) and played Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995). Long returned for the Cheers finale and appeared in Frasier, earning another Emmy nod. Recently, she played DeDe Pritchett on Modern Family (2009–2018) and voiced Grandma Murphy in Milo Murphy’s Law.
Long, now 75, was notably absent from the 2024 Emmys reunion, reportedly pulling out at the last minute for undisclosed reasons. Kelsey Grammer expressed hope for her return as Diane in the Frasier reboot, but her absence sparked speculation about past tensions, which Long has denied, emphasizing her love for Cheers. She lives a quieter life in Los Angeles, focusing on family.
Rhea Perlman: Carla Tortelli’s Fierce Legacy
Rhea Perlman’s Carla Tortelli, the sharp-tongued waitress, appeared in all 275 episodes, earning 10 Emmy nominations and four wins. Her biting humor and loyalty made Carla a standout. Post-Cheers, Perlman starred in Pearl (1996–1997), Matilda (1996) alongside husband Danny DeVito, and The Mindy Project (2014–2017). In 2023, she appeared in Barbie and You People, and lent her voice to Harley Quinn and Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Perlman and DeVito, married since 1982, have three children and maintain a cordial relationship despite living separately.
At the 2024 Emmys, Perlman joined the Cheers cast reunion, earning a shoutout from DeVito for her four Emmys. She told PEOPLE in 2022, “Cheers was the best job in the world.” Perlman, 77, continues to act and write children’s books, embodying Carla’s feisty spirit.
Kelsey Grammer: Frasier Crane’s Lasting Impact
Kelsey Grammer’s Frasier Crane evolved from a Cheers supporting character to a sitcom icon, starring in the spin-off Frasier (1993–2004, rebooted 2023). Grammer’s five Emmy wins for Frasier reflect his talent as the erudite psychiatrist. Beyond Cheers, he voiced Sideshow Bob in The Simpsons (1990–2017) and appeared in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014). In 2025, Grammer, 70, continues with the Frasier reboot, set in Boston but centered at Mahoney’s bar, not Cheers. He’s expressed interest in reuniting with Danson and Long for the reboot.
Grammer, married to Kayte Walsh since 2011, has seven children and has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of family members. At the 2024 Emmys, he called the Cheers reunion a “proud moment,” reflecting on the show’s legacy.
Woody Harrelson: Woody Boyd’s Rise to Stardom
Woody Harrelson joined Cheers in season four as Woody Boyd, the naive bartender replacing Coach (Nicholas Colasanto, who died in 1985). Harrelson’s charm earned him an Emmy nomination. Post-Cheers, he starred in The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), No Country for Old Men (2007), The Hunger Games series, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), earning three Oscar nominations. In 2025, Harrelson, 63, appears in The Electric State and Last Breath. He missed the 2024 Emmys reunion due to theater work in London but joined Danson for a Cheers podcast in 2023.
Harrelson, married to Laura Louie since 2008, has three daughters and is a vocal vegan and environmental advocate. His Cheers role launched a prolific career, blending comedy and drama.
John Ratzenberger: Cliff Clavin’s Quirky Charm
John Ratzenberger’s Cliff Clavin, the know-it-all mail carrier, brought quirky humor to Cheers. Like Wendt, he wasn’t in the pilot but became a regular, appearing in nearly every episode. Post-Cheers, Ratzenberger voiced characters in every Pixar film, including Hamm in Toy Story and Mack in Cars. In 2024, he voiced Bernard in Monsters at Work. At 78, Ratzenberger remains active, with a recent role in Spellbound (2024).
He joined the 2024 Emmys reunion, calling it a “long overdue class reunion.” Ratzenberger, a father of two, praised Wendt’s wit after his passing, reflecting their close bond as Norm and Cliff.
Remembering Departed Cast Members
The Cheers family has faced losses. Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach, died in 1985 at 61 from a heart attack. His warmth and comedic timing left a lasting mark, with the show addressing his death in season four. Kirstie Alley, who joined as Rebecca Howe in season six, passed away in 2022 at 71 from colon cancer. Alley’s vibrant performance earned an Emmy, and she starred in Look Who’s Talking (1989) and Scream Queens (2016). The 2024 Emmys honored Alley with a photo on the bar set, a touching tribute.
The Cheers Legacy and Reunion Hopes
The 2024 Emmys reunion, featuring Danson, Perlman, Grammer, Ratzenberger, and Wendt on a replica Cheers bar set, celebrated the show’s 28 Emmys and cultural impact. Missing were Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson (due to theater commitments), and Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith). Rumors of a Cheers reboot surfaced in May 2025, but Danson expressed doubts, citing the cast’s age and differing paths. Still, the Frasier reboot keeps hope alive for cameos. For updates, visit the <a href=”https://www.cheersboston.com/”>Cheers Beacon Hill website</a>.
Relive the Cheers Magic
The Cheers cast created a timeless world of laughter and camaraderie. From George Wendt’s legacy as Norm to Danson’s charm, Long’s wit, and Perlman’s fire, their contributions endure. Stream Cheers on Peacock or check IMDb for their latest projects. The bar may be closed, but the memories live on.
