The Cheers Cast: Where Are They Now? Tragic Losses, 2025 Projects, And Final Tributes To Norm

The iconic bar where everybody knows your name may have closed its doors decades ago, but the lives and careers of the Cheers cast continue to capture the public's attention. As of December 2025, the beloved ensemble has faced both tragic loss and celebrated career resurgence, with recent news reminding fans of the enduring legacy of one of television's greatest sitcoms. The most poignant update is the passing of a core member, which has led to an outpouring of tributes from the remaining stars.

The show, which ran from 1982 to 1993, created a constellation of indelible characters, from the charmingly simple bartender Woody Boyd to the fiercely intellectual Diane Chambers and, of course, the perpetually tipsy Norm Peterson. This comprehensive look details the current status of the main cast, including their latest projects, significant career milestones, and the sad news that has recently impacted the Cheers family.

The Main Cheers Cast: A Complete Biographical Profile

The heart of Cheers was its ensemble, a perfect mix of personalities that anchored the show's 11-season run. Here is a look at the lives and careers of the main players who brought the Boston bar to life.

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• Ted Danson (Sam Malone)
  • Born: December 29, 1947 (San Diego, California)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: Three Men and a Baby, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Damages, Fargo, and the critically acclaimed NBC comedy The Good Place as the demon Michael.
• Shelley Long (Diane Chambers)
  • Born: August 23, 1949 (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: The Money Pit, Troop Beverly Hills, and guest appearances on Modern Family.
• Kirstie Alley (Rebecca Howe)
  • Born: January 12, 1951 (Wichita, Kansas)
  • Passed Away: December 5, 2022 (Age 71)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: Look Who's Talking film series, Veronica's Closet, and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
• Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli)
  • Born: March 31, 1948 (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: Matilda, 13: The Musical, and the popular sitcom Taxi (where she met her former husband, Danny DeVito).
• George Wendt (Norm Peterson)
  • Born: October 17, 1948 (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Passed Away: May 20, 2025 (Age 76)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: Numerous stage roles, including a run as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, and appearances in films like Fletch.
• John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin)
  • Born: April 6, 1947 (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: The only actor to voice a character in every Pixar film, including Hamm the Piggy Bank in the Toy Story franchise and the Abominable Snowman in Monsters, Inc.
• Woody Harrelson (Woody Boyd)
  • Born: July 23, 1961 (Midland, Texas)
  • Key Roles Outside of Cheers: Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, True Detective, and The Hunger Games film series.

The Heartbreaking Loss of a Cheers Icon: George Wendt's Legacy

The world of television comedy mourned a profound loss in May 2025 with the passing of George Wendt, the actor who immortalized the character of Norm Peterson. Wendt died at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in sitcom history.

Norm Peterson was more than just a supporting character; he was the ultimate barfly and the show's comedic anchor, whose entrance was always met with the famous chorus of "Norm!" His character’s perpetual presence on the corner barstool and his hilarious, often self-deprecating, one-liners about his wife Vera and his love of beer made him a cultural touchstone.

Tributes poured in from his former castmates, who spoke of his kindness, impeccable comedic timing, and the warmth he brought to the set. Wendt's passing follows that of Kirstie Alley (Rebecca Howe), who died in December 2022 after a short battle with colon cancer. Alley had joined the cast in the sixth season, replacing Shelley Long, and successfully steered the show through its second phase, proving the strength of the ensemble.

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Where the Remaining Cheers Cast Members Are Now in 2025

Despite the recent losses, the surviving main cast members remain highly active in Hollywood, with several major projects slated for release throughout 2025 and beyond. Their careers showcase the versatility and star power that Cheers launched.

Ted Danson: From Sam Malone to a New Series Lead

Ted Danson, the charming Sam Malone, continues his impressive run as one of television’s most enduring stars. In 2025, he is promoting his new series, *A Man on the Inside*, where he and his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, have been discussing the show's production. Danson has maintained a remarkable career longevity, transitioning from the womanizing bartender to the philosophical demon Michael in *The Good Place* and a major role in *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. He also recently starred in a high-profile Consumer Cellular campaign, demonstrating his continued appeal in the commercial space.

Woody Harrelson: The Blockbuster Star

Woody Harrelson, who played the naive but sweet-natured Woody Boyd, has arguably had the most successful post-Cheers film career. His 2025 slate is packed with major releases, cementing his status as a two-time Academy Award nominee and box-office draw. Fans can look forward to seeing him in the thriller *Last Breath*, scheduled for a February 2025 release, as well as the crime movie *Now You See Me: Now You Don't* in November 2025. He is also slated to appear in the film *Ella McCay* in December 2025.

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Rhea Perlman and John Ratzenberger: TV and Pixar Legends

Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli) and John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin) continue to find success in diverse roles. Perlman, known for her sharp-tongued barmaid character, had a notable guest role in the second season of the crime mystery series *Poker Face* in 2025, showcasing her continued relevance in modern television. She also appeared in the Netflix musical *13: The Musical*.

John Ratzenberger, beyond his iconic role as the know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin, remains a legend in the animation world. He is the only actor to have voiced a character in every single Pixar film, a remarkable feat that includes his famous voice roles as Hamm in *Toy Story* and Mack in *Cars*. In terms of live appearances, he is scheduled to meet fans at 'SiouxperCon' in September 2025. Furthermore, Ratzenberger is actively working on a new television series aimed at highlighting and addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the United States, showcasing his entrepreneurial and advocacy side.

Shelley Long: A Private Life with Occasional Tributes

Shelley Long, who portrayed the intellectual Diane Chambers for the first five seasons, has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, preferring a more private life. While she has not announced any new roles for 2025, she made a rare public appearance at the 2023 Emmy Awards, joining several of her former castmates to honor the show's legacy. Her career is still celebrated for memorable film roles like *The Money Pit* and *Troop Beverly Hills*, and her foundational performance that set the tone for the entire *Cheers* run.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Cheers

The enduring popularity of Cheers is a testament to its brilliant writing and the chemistry of its cast. The show’s themes of community, friendship, and unrequited love remain topical. The spin-off series, *Frasier*, starring Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane, further expanded the *Cheers* universe and has also seen a recent revival, demonstrating the deep well of character history created by the original show. The constant updates on the cast, from the tragic losses of Kirstie Alley and George Wendt to the ongoing, prolific careers of Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, ensure that the beloved Boston bar continues to hold a special, fresh place in pop culture history.