Every Major Actor from ‘Cheers’ Who Died

‘From 1982 to 1993, the TV series known as “Cheers” unfolded, portraying the patrons of a Boston bar where everyone is familiar with you. Over its eleven seasons, it built up a main cast and an expansive roster of recurring characters that contributed to the show’s distinct atmosphere, featuring a mix of witty drunkards and figures from the management at Melville’s.’

This collection highlights key characters who significantly influenced the show ‘Cheers’ during their time on the series, and sadly, are no longer with us. Each entry details the character portrayed by them, the episodes they featured in, and significant plotlines that tied their characters to the bar’s regular happenings.

Nicholas Colasanto

In my latest cinematic journey, I found myself immersed in the world of “Cheers”, where Nicholas Colasanto brilliantly portrayed Ernie ‘Coach’ Pantusso, a former Red Sox coach who seamlessly transitioned into bar-tending alongside Sam from 1982 to early 1985. Sadly, during the production of season three, he passed away on February 12, 1985 at the tender age of 61. The series poignantly paid tribute to him at the start of season four, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the show and its characters.

In the initial three seasons, the coach was consistently present behind the bar, frequently offering guidance to Sam and the regular patrons. Following Colasanto’s passing, the series introduced Woody Boyd to take on the role of the second bartender. As a poignant remembrance, the photograph of Geronimo that Woody kept in his dressing room remained on set until the finale.

Kirstie Alley

As a die-hard sitcom fan, I’ve always cherished the character of Rebecca Howe, brilliantly brought to life by Kirstie Alley. Starting from season six, she stepped into the role of bar manager and continued until the series wrapped up in 1993. Sadly, Kirstie left us on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Rebecca’s journey focused on her professional aspirations and intricate personal relationships that significantly impacted the staff members at Melville’s, particularly her romance with Robin Colcord and recurring confrontations with John Allen Hill. During the later seasons of ‘Cheers’, she played a crucial role in shaping the bar’s management storylines as the show moved towards its finale.

Roger Rees

Roger Rees frequently reprised his role as Robin Colcord, the British business tycoon who had a romantic history with Rebecca and encountered conflicts with the bar, spanning from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. Tragically, he passed away on July 10, 2015 at the age of 71.

Robin’s narrative involved instances of hostile takeovers and legal issues that significantly impacted the day-to-day running of the bar. A developing romantic relationship with Rebecca, along with a subplot about insider trading, formed major storylines across multiple episodes, involving Sam, Carla, and the rest of the team.

Jay Thomas

During seasons six to eight, actor Jay Thomas portrayed real-life character Eddie LeBec, a goalkeeper for the Boston Bruins who got married to Carla. Regrettably, Thomas passed away on August 24, 2017 at the age of 69.

The TV series connected Eddie’s presence to both Boston sports culture and Carla’s personal life, as it documented their wedding and the subsequent tumultuous events. After an on-screen separation, the show ended Eddie’s character arc in a controversial car accident, which significantly altered the direction of Carla’s storylines for the rest of the series.

Harry Anderson

In the role of charismatic swindler Harry the Hat Gittes, I made numerous appearances throughout the early seasons and even returned for special episodes in later years. Sadly, on April 16, 2018, at the age of 65, I took my final bow.

Harry frequently orchestrated complex schemes that involved Sam, Woody, and the frequent patrons, with the bar regularly serving as his performance space. He became a prominent recurring character in the series, reappearing during milestone occasions like anniversaries and farewells, and simultaneously leading ‘Night Court’ during the same time period.

Frances Sternhagen

In simpler terms, Frances Sternhagen often reappeared in the role of Esther Clavin, a strong character who was Cliff’s mom. This continued throughout the later seasons. Sadly, she passed away on November 27, 2023 at the age of 93.

In simpler terms, the show delved into Cliff’s personal life, revealing details about his living conditions and family history. His bold character as a postal worker was often contrasted with scenes at home and the local bar. The relationship between Cliff and his mother served as a recurring theme throughout holiday celebrations and significant events, culminating in the series finale.

Keene Curtis

Keene Curtis played the character John Allen Hill, proprietor of Melville’s Seafood, who had frequent disagreements with Sam and Rebecca during seasons nine to eleven. Regrettably, he passed away on October 13, 2002, at the age of 79.

Ownership of the space above the bar by Hill frequently sparked disagreements about rent, access, and even the communal restrooms, sustaining ongoing legal and administrative friction. Moreover, his tumultuous relationship with Carla often overflowed from Melville’s dining room into the ‘Cheers’ section of the building.

Philip Perlman

During the course of the show, Philip Perlman was commonly known as Phil, a frequent patron who seamlessly blended into the series’ backdrop during the mid and late seasons. Regrettably, he passed away on April 29, 2015, at the age of 95.

Frequently found seated alongside Norm and Cliff, Phil often added to the bar’s beat with swift responses and periodic comments serving as a rhythmic count throughout episodes. Behind the scenes, he was known as Rhea Perlman’s father, while on-screen, he made numerous appearances that subtly emphasized the idea that familiar faces were always present at ‘Cheers’.

Al Rosen

Al Rosen, often known simply as ‘Al’, was a frequent character in the show during its initial stages, having a penchant for bars. He passed away on August 2, 1990, at the age of 80.

In my role, I’d often make quick yet impactful comments that added a sense of immediacy to conversations at the heart of the local bar. My presence contributed significantly to creating the authentic atmosphere and lively conversations that made ‘Cheers’ set resemble a genuine neighborhood gathering spot.

Dan Hedaya

Dan Hedaya frequently reappeared in the role of Nick Tortelli, Carla’s former husband, between the mid-1980s and early 1990s. Tragically, he passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 84.

Nick’s regular visits usually involved disagreements about their kids and his strained relationship with Loretta, which frequently disrupted the normal functioning of the bar. Additionally, the character starred in the short-lived spinoff ‘The Tortellis’ in 1987, while recurring roles on ‘Cheers’ helped to weave Carla’s family plotlines back into the bar’s narrative.

Share your memories of these performers and the episodes that stood out to you in the comments.

2025-09-12 17:45