1. Emma Thompson
In Season 10, Emma Thompson made a memorable appearance as Nanny Gee, a flamboyant children’s entertainer who shockingly turns out to be Frasier Crane’s ex-wife. The moment starts off comedic but quickly unfolds into a layered emotional reveal, adding more depth to Frasier’s story arc. Thompson, already a rising British star, handled the tonal shift effortlessly, showcasing her versatility even in a brief cameo role.
Her guest spot wasn’t just clever casting; it reflected Cheers’ genius for balancing humor and heart. According to show historians, her performance helped give Frasier more emotional backstory right before his spin-off launched. It’s one of those late-series surprises that made longtime fans appreciate the writers’ attention to character depth.
2. Lisa Kudrow
Before becoming a household name as Phoebe on Friends, Lisa Kudrow had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role in Cheers. She played Emily in a 1989 episode where Woody joins a community theater group. Though the role was brief, she radiated a likable awkwardness and quirky charm that would later define her most iconic character. Fans revisiting the episode often spot her and marvel at the early glimpse of stardom.
This moment speaks to Cheers’ legacy as a breeding ground for future stars. Casting directors were clearly tuned into emerging talent, and Kudrow’s early TV role added a layer of authenticity to the show’s ensemble nature. Today, it stands as one of those cool Easter eggs for viewers who love tracing actors’ roots.
3. Dick Cavett
Dick Cavett’s cameo on Cheers felt both unexpected and totally fitting. As a legendary talk-show host known for his dry wit, Cavett played himself walking into the bar. The tone was self-aware, like a friendly nod from one era of television to another. His interactions blended seamlessly with the bar’s cast, adding a flavor of real-world sophistication to the Cheers universe.
Media scholars often highlight this moment as a clever blending of pop culture and sitcom storytelling. It was a reminder that Cheers wasn’t just fictional, it was part of the larger TV landscape. Cavett’s appearance added charm without feeling forced, giving longtime viewers something to smile about while reinforcing the show’s place in cultural history.
4. Harry Anderson
Harry Anderson played “Harry the Hat,” a recurring character who always seemed to be running a low-stakes scam or sleight-of-hand trick. He brought a playful, con-artist vibe that added spice to the usual barroom banter. Every time he walked in, you knew something mischievous was about to happen. His magician background made his tricks seem real enough to fool even the audience.
Anderson’s appearances weren’t just for laughs; they helped establish Cheers as a place where all kinds of people could walk through the door. His clever antics offered contrast to the more grounded regulars, and his return across multiple episodes gave the show a continuity that fans appreciated. It proved that even the occasional visitor could feel like family.
5. Tip O’Neill
Former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill showing up on Cheers wasn’t just a fun cameo, it was a cultural moment. Playing himself, he entered the bar to greet the regulars, acting more like a neighbor than a political powerhouse. His visit wasn’t played for political commentary but for its odd charm, merging pop culture and government in a uniquely Cheers way.
O’Neill’s walk-on gave Cheers another layer of realism. It reminded audiences that the show, though scripted, existed in a world not too far from their own. Analysts still view this moment as a testament to the show’s reach and how even politicians wanted in on the action. It helped cement Cheers as an all-American classic.
6. Christopher Lloyd
Before becoming Doc Brown in Back to the Future, Christopher Lloyd brought his quirky energy to Cheers in the episode “Bar Wars VI: This Time It’s For Real.” He played a character named Phillip Semenko, an eccentric artist hired by Rebecca to paint Sam. Lloyd’s wild-haired, unpredictable vibe made him the perfect oddball to shake up the bar’s otherwise grounded atmosphere, adding a creative twist to the usual Cheers dynamic.
His guest spot gave the episode a unique flair. Viewers loved how his character challenged the regulars’ perceptions of art, identity, and even masculinity. This cameo is still celebrated by fans who appreciate the offbeat performances that sprinkled magic across Cheers’ run. Lloyd’s appearance stood out because it didn’t just entertain, it made everyone at the bar see things differently, if only for an episode.
7. Fred Dryer
Fred Dryer was one of the few guest stars who almost became a mainstay. Before Ted Danson was cast as Sam Malone, Dryer was seriously considered for the lead role. Instead, he appeared as Dave Richards, a former teammate of Sam’s and now a sportscaster. His confident, jockish presence played well against Sam’s more introspective nature, making for a competitive but charming tension.
Dryer’s episodes showed what Cheers could’ve been if casting had gone a different route. Many fans still imagine that alternate universe where Dave was the lead. But his recurring appearances instead helped flesh out Sam’s backstory, showing who he was before the bar. It added emotional depth and real-world connections that gave Cheers even more credibility.
8. John Cleese
British comedy royalty John Cleese appeared in the episode “Simon Says,” playing Dr. Simon Finch-Royce, a marriage counselor with a sharp tongue and unshakable logic. When Sam and Diane seek his help, things go hilariously south. Cleese’s dry wit, intellectual presence, and distinct delivery clashed beautifully with the emotional chaos of Sam and Diane’s relationship.
His cameo is widely praised as one of the best in Cheers history. Cleese brought gravitas and absurdity in equal measure, elevating a storyline that could have felt stale into something truly memorable. For viewers who love clever, dialogue-driven comedy, this episode is a standout, and Cleese’s role was the icing on the cake.
9. Dan Hedaya
Dan Hedaya played the gruff, short-tempered Nick Tortelli, Carla’s deadbeat ex-husband. His multiple appearances added grit and chaos to the show’s otherwise friendly rhythm. Whenever Nick walked in, you could count on drama, fast insults, and Carla’s rage turning into rapid-fire sarcasm. He was the guy everyone at the bar loved to hate, and that’s what made his role work.
Hedaya made Nick so memorable that he eventually spun off into his own short-lived series, The Tortellis. Even though that show didn’t last, his Cheers character is remembered for bringing out some of the most emotional and volatile sides of Carla. It’s a great example of how even secondary characters could shake things up and leave a lasting mark.
10. Jean Kasem
Jean Kasem played Loretta Tortelli, Nick’s adorably ditzy second wife. With her towering blonde hair and squeaky-voiced sweetness, she became a perfect comedic foil to Carla’s biting wit. Loretta seemed clueless most of the time, but she had a good heart and a surprising sense of confidence that made her more than just comic relief.
Jean’s role helped highlight Cheers’ diversity in tone, where even the silliest characters were treated with kindness and layered writing. Loretta was lovable in her own right, offering contrast to the sharper characters and reminding viewers that even misfits could find their place in the bar’s weird family. She, too, moved on to The Tortellis, proving her character left a lasting impression.
11. Roger Rees
Roger Rees played Robin Colcord, the refined British tycoon who tried and sometimes succeeded, to charm Rebecca Howe. He wasn’t a one-time guest but a recurring presence who brought sophistication, ego, and plenty of comedic tension. His character was everything Sam wasn’t: wealthy, polished, and manipulative, making their competition for Rebecca even more entertaining to watch.
Rees gave the show a dose of upper-crust flair that contrasted beautifully with the down-to-earth Cheers crowd. His chemistry with Kirstie Alley helped make Rebecca’s arc more dynamic. Fans loved watching her navigate the highs and humiliations of dating Robin. Even in a show about regular folks at a Boston bar, Robin’s arrogance somehow fit right in, and that’s what made his appearances so compelling.
12. Tom Skerritt
Tom Skerritt appeared in Season 1 as Evan Drake, Rebecca’s wealthy and intimidating boss. His cool confidence and sharp suits gave off the energy of a man used to getting what he wanted. Rebecca’s infatuation with him led to some of the most awkwardly hilarious moments of the show’s early run, especially when she tried and failed, to get his attention.
Skerritt’s guest arc played out like a sitcom version of workplace ambition meets unrequited love. While his character wasn’t particularly warm, that made Rebecca’s persistent crush even more relatable and tragic. He was the kind of guest who pushed the regulars out of their comfort zones. His presence subtly highlighted how Cheers balanced humor with workplace satire long before it became common in sitcoms.
13. Frances Sternhagen
Frances Sternhagen played Esther Clavin, Cliff’s highly opinionated and hilariously overbearing mother. She didn’t just stop by, she dropped in like a whirlwind, making audiences laugh with her no-nonsense attitude. Her dry, matter-of-fact delivery made her scenes with Cliff both funny and revealing, especially when he tried desperately to prove his independence from her.
Sternhagen’s portrayal was more than just comic relief. She gave viewers insight into Cliff’s childhood and social awkwardness, deepening his character beyond his usual mailman trivia bits. Her appearances turned family tension into something viewers could both laugh at and connect with. Cheers knew how to make even the most controlling TV mom feel authentic, and a little lovable.
14. Michael McGuire
Michael McGuire played Walter Gaines, the wealthy father of Kelly, Woody’s sweet but spacey girlfriend. His appearances added class conflict and generational tension to Woody’s story, especially as he struggled to impress a man who clearly thought little of him. McGuire brought an uptight, old-money attitude that clashed wonderfully with Woody’s humble Midwestern charm.
Walter’s skepticism made Woody more endearing to viewers, as he refused to change who he was to gain approval. McGuire played the role with the right amount of smugness, helping to build a richer romantic arc for Woody and Kelly. It’s a great example of how Cheers used guest stars to mirror real-life family pressure, while still keeping things lighthearted and hilarious.
15. Derek McGrath
Derek McGrath played Andy Schroeder, a quiet, emotionally unstable regular who had a habit of turning minor frustrations into dangerous overreactions. He was funny in a dark, unsettling way, which made his appearances particularly memorable. The bar crew often tiptoed around him, unsure if they’d get a joke or a meltdown.
Andy’s role was a bold swing for a sitcom, he straddled the line between comedy and menace. McGrath’s performance was understated, making Andy’s unpredictability all the more striking. He was one of those characters who added layers to the Cheers universe, proving the show wasn’t afraid to explore discomfort or push boundaries. His awkward presence was part of what kept Cheers feeling real and fresh.
16. Annie Golden
Annie Golden appeared as a character named Mitchie in a lesser-known episode, but her presence still stood out. Golden, already known for her musical talents and later for Orange Is the New Black, brought a quirky charm to the Cheers bar. Her character had an unpredictable energy that made the scenes feel fresh, especially when bouncing off the sarcasm of Carla and the awkwardness of Cliff.
Though her role was brief, Golden’s appearance showed how Cheers used actors from all backgrounds, Broadway, TV, film, to build a vibrant, rotating cast of guest personalities. It also speaks to the show’s ability to seamlessly blend drama, music, and comedy without ever feeling forced. Annie’s visit was short but strong, and for fans of hers today, it’s a surprising treasure buried in Cheers history.
17. Jay Thomas
Jay Thomas played Eddie LeBec, Carla’s hockey-player boyfriend turned husband. His character was lovable and goofy, often the target of Carla’s sharp tongue. The chemistry between them was electric in its own way, he softened her, she grounded him. Their relationship brought new emotional depth to Carla’s story and gave the show one of its most memorable and tragic arcs.
Eddie’s death in a freak ice show accident was one of Cheers’ darker comedic moments, and it left a lasting impression on viewers. Thomas’s character felt like more than a guest, he became part of the family, if only for a little while. His role is remembered not just for laughs, but for how Cheers handled love, loss, and oddball relationships with surprising tenderness.
18. Kristie Alley
Though not a “guest star” in the traditional sense, Kirstie Alley initially walked into Cheers in a way that could have been a one-time deal. When Shelley Long left, Alley’s debut as Rebecca Howe came with uncertainty. But her transformation from uptight manager to neurotic, love-crazed foil became a pivotal part of the show’s late-stage success. Her first few episodes almost felt like a soft reboot.
Fans warmed up to her because she didn’t try to replace Diane, she brought her own flavor. Alley’s presence proved that a strong entrance can redefine an entire show’s energy. It’s hard to imagine Cheers without her now, but that early appearance was a calculated risk that ultimately reshaped the dynamic of America’s favorite bar.
19. Bob Costas
Sports broadcaster Bob Costas made a walk-on appearance that brought instant recognition for sports fans tuning in. Known for his smooth delivery and iconic voice, Costas didn’t play a fictional role, he played himself. His interaction with Sam added a fun layer of realism, reminding viewers that the Cheers universe wasn’t too far off from real life.
It was a brief scene, but it worked because Costas was believable in a bar like Cheers. He fit right in with the Boston setting, making his moment feel natural rather than forced. It’s those subtle cameos that helped Cheers maintain its cultural edge and made viewers feel like the show lived right outside their own front doors.
20. Arsenio Hall
Before he became a late-night legend, Arsenio Hall made a small appearance in Cheers. It wasn’t a headline-grabbing role, but his charisma and sharp timing were clear from the start. In a show full of strong personalities, Hall stood out quietly, hinting at the future energy he’d bring to television just a few years later.
His guest spot reminds us that Cheers had a knack for spotting rising stars and giving them space to shine, even if only briefly. Watching early Arsenio now feels like looking at a time capsule. It’s a quiet but cool moment that adds another layer to the bar’s already rich guest history. And for fans who love spotting future icons, his cameo is a satisfying find.
21. Kevin McHale
NBA legend Kevin McHale showed up in the Season 4 episode “Cheers Fouls Out,” playing himself. The storyline revolves around Sam coaching a youth basketball team and recruiting McHale for help. His laid-back demeanor and natural screen presence made the episode both hilarious and heartfelt. Even if you weren’t a Celtics fan, you couldn’t help but smile when McHale walked in.
The episode used sports culture perfectly, letting McHale joke about himself while adding credibility to Sam’s athlete backstory. His appearance helped solidify the idea that Cheers wasn’t just a Boston bar, it was the Boston bar. Having a hometown hero walk through the door made the show feel local and legendary all at once. It’s one of those cameos that fans still talk about today.