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The Cheers Cast: Where Are They Now? Tragic Losses, 2025 Projects, And A Final Reunion

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The iconic bar where everyone knew your name has fallen silent for two of its most beloved patrons. The cast of Cheers, one of television’s most enduring and influential sitcoms, continues to capture the public’s imagination decades after the final pint was poured, but the last few years have brought significant, heartbreaking changes to the ensemble, culminating in a tragic loss in mid-2025.

The latest updates, as of December 23, 2025, reveal that while several stars like Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson are busier than ever with major 2025 projects, the world recently mourned the passing of George Wendt, who played the legendary Norm Peterson, following the earlier loss of Kirstie Alley. The remaining cast members continue to honor the show’s legacy through their current work and rare, cherished reunions.

The Cheers Main Cast: Character, Biography, and Profile

The success of Cheers was built on the chemistry of its core ensemble. Here is a look at the main cast members, their roles, and a brief biographical profile:

  • Ted Danson (Sam Malone): The charismatic, womanizing, former baseball pitcher and owner of the bar. Born December 29, 1947, Danson is a two-time Emmy and three-time Golden Globe winner, known for his enduring career in television and advocacy for ocean conservation.
  • George Wendt (Norm Peterson): The ultimate barfly and accountant whose entrance was always met with a chorus of "Norm!" Born October 17, 1948, Wendt was a six-time Emmy nominee for his role. He was also a founding member of the Second City comedy troupe.
  • Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli): The sharp-tongued, highly fertile waitress and resident cynic. Born March 31, 1948, Perlman is a four-time Emmy winner for the role and has maintained a steady career in film and television, often noted for her work in the dark comedy space.
  • John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin): The know-it-all mail carrier who often shared dubious "facts." Born April 6, 1947, Ratzenberger is the only actor to voice a character in every Pixar feature film, including Hamm in the Toy Story franchise. He is also a passionate advocate for skilled trades.
  • Shelley Long (Diane Chambers): The snobbish, intellectual waitress and Sam's on-again, off-again love interest in the first five seasons. Born August 23, 1949, Long won an Emmy and two Golden Globes for the role. She is known for her successful post-Cheers film career in comedies like The Money Pit and Troop Beverly Hills.
  • Kirstie Alley (Rebecca Howe): The neurotic, ambitious, and often hapless manager who replaced Diane. Born January 12, 1951, Alley won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work on the series. She was also famous for her roles in the Look Who's Talking film series and the TV movie David's Mother.
  • Woody Harrelson (Woody Boyd): The naive, sweet-natured bartender from Indiana who replaced Coach. Born July 23, 1961, Harrelson is an Oscar-nominated actor with a highly successful film career, starring in major movies like Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and the Hunger Games franchise.

Tragic Losses: Remembering Norm Peterson and Rebecca Howe

The Cheers family has experienced two significant losses in recent years, affecting the cast and millions of fans globally. The passing of these two stars serves as a poignant reminder of the show’s lasting impact and the close bonds forged on set.

George Wendt (Norm Peterson) Passes Away in 2025

In a major and heartbreaking update, actor George Wendt, whose character Norm Peterson defined the quintessential bar patron, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76. Wendt died in his sleep, according to reports, leaving behind a legacy as one of television’s most beloved comedic actors. His passing came just months after he had reunited with several of his former co-stars.

Wendt’s character, Norm, was famous for his witty one-liners and his insatiable thirst for beer, making him the heart of the bar's regular crowd. His death is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and the millions who grew up hearing his signature greeting: "Norm!"

Kirstie Alley’s Enduring Legacy

The cast previously mourned the death of Kirstie Alley (Rebecca Howe), who passed away following a brief battle with cancer. Alley joined the show in 1987, replacing Shelley Long, and successfully steered the series into a new era, proving the show could thrive beyond the Sam-and-Diane dynamic. Her co-stars, including Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer, shared heartfelt tributes, praising her talent and indomitable spirit. Her legacy as a comedic powerhouse remains intact, influencing countless actresses who followed.

The Surviving Cast: Major 2025 Projects and Reunions

Despite the losses, the surviving members of the Cheers cast continue to be highly active in Hollywood, with several major projects slated for release in 2025, demonstrating their enduring relevance in the industry.

Ted Danson: Back on Netflix in 2025

Ted Danson (Sam Malone) remains one of television’s most sought-after stars. His major current project is the Netflix comedy series A Man on the Inside (formerly *A Man on the Inside*), which is returning for its second season. The new season, expected in November 2025, sees Danson’s character, Charles, take on a new undercover assignment: enrolling in college. This continues his successful collaboration with Mike Schur, the creator of his hit series The Good Place. Danson also received the prestigious 2025 Carol Burnett Award, further cementing his status as a TV legend.

Woody Harrelson: A Blockbuster 2025

Woody Harrelson (Woody Boyd) has arguably had the most prolific film career of the entire cast. His 2025 is set to be a blockbuster year with two major movie releases. The survival thriller *Last Breath*, co-starring Simu Liu, is scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. Furthermore, Harrelson will reprise his role as Merritt McKinney in the highly anticipated sequel, *Now You See Me: Now You Don’t*, which hits theaters on November 14, 2025.

Rhea Perlman and John Ratzenberger’s Current Work

Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli) is also keeping busy, demonstrating her versatility in various genres. In 2025, she had a notable guest role in the second season of the critically acclaimed crime mystery series *Poker Face*.

John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin) is continuing his advocacy work for American manufacturing and skilled trades. He is currently in pre-production on a new television series designed to raise awareness about the skilled worker shortage in the country. He is also scheduled to make a public appearance at the 2025 'SiouxperCon' in September, connecting with fans and celebrating his legacy as a sitcom icon and Pixar legend.

Shelley Long and the Reunion Moment

Shelley Long (Diane Chambers) has maintained a much lower profile in recent years, with a focus on her private life and rare public outings. While she has no major 2025 acting projects announced, her legacy remains central to the show’s success. The entire surviving cast, including Long, Danson, Perlman, Wendt, and Ratzenberger, reunited in a touching moment to present an award at the 2024 Emmy Awards, which now stands as one of the last times the core group was seen together publicly before Wendt's passing.

The enduring appeal of the Cheers cast lies not just in their iconic performances but in their continuing, evolving careers. From major movie projects to tragic losses and cherished reunions, the stories of the people who inhabited the world's favorite Boston bar continue to unfold.

cheers tv show cast
cheers tv show cast

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