How Many ‘Cheers’ Cast Members Have Died Since the Show Went Off the Air?

Cheers, a classic American sitcom, ran from 1983 until 1994. The series included 11 seasons and 275 episodes and remained one of the most popular shows on TV until its finale. Even now, decades after the finale aired, the show offers a sense of nostalgia that can’t be found elsewhere. Set in a cozy Boston bar where “everybody knows your name,” the show followed the lives of the bar’s staff and quirky patrons. The expansive cast went on to other great roles in the years since the show, but we’ve also lost several of those actors. These are the Cheers cast members who have died since the series’ finale.

Two actors died while still involved with the production.

While the cast of Cheers has lost several cast members in recent years, they also suffered losses while filming the series. Two actors died during the show’s run.

Nicholas Colasanto, the actor who portrayed Coach Ernie Pantusso, died from a heart attack in 1985. He was just 61. When the tragedy occurred, he was actively involved in the show’s production, and his last episode aired posthumously. The beloved series acknowledged that Coach Earnie had died, but didn’t delve too deeply into it. His role, as a bartender at Cheers, was filled by Woody Boyd. Woody Harrelson took on the role.

Al Rosen, who portrayed bar patron Al, died in 1990 from cancer. He was 80. The Cheers episode “Norm and Cliff’s Excellent Adventure” was dedicated to his memory. Rosen appeared in various other shows during his 40-year career.  

The ‘Cheers’ cast mourned the loss of Keene Curtis, Phil Perlman, and Kirstie Alley in recent years

The cast of Cheers gathered to say goodbye to Keene Curtis, Phil Perlman, and Kirstie Alley in the years since the series went off the air. Curtis, who portrayed the owner of the restaurant above Cheers, died in 2002 from Alzheimer’s Disease. Curtis was 79.  

Phil Perlman, who spent years portraying bar regular Phil, died in 2015. Perlman came into acting later in life and appeared in over 100 episodes of Cheers opposite his daughter, Rhea Perlman. He appeared in various movies before his death, as well. He was 95.

Kirstie Alley, who famously portrayed Rebecca Howe on Cheers, died in 2022. The celebrated actor died after a brief battle with colon cancer. Her death came as a shock to many, as her illness was largely kept secret. Sher was 71.

George Wendt recently died, as well

George Wendt is the Cheers cast member who was lost most recently. Wendt, famed for his role as Norm on the series, died on May 20, 2025, at the age of 76. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wendt died in his sleep. His family didn’t provide further information on his death.

Wendt might be best known as Norm, but he did stay busy with acting in the years after the series went off the air. Wendt appeared on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Goldbergs, and even reprised his role as Norm on Frasier. He made his final public appearance less than a year ago when he linked up with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson for a reunion.