The titular Boston bar in from the classic 80s and 90s showCheerssure is lucrative for a cozy little place where everybody knows your name. The main cast of the series managed to make some real names for themselves in the years since it ended, and even today they’re still nothing to sneeze at. Perhaps not surprising considering the cultural impact of the show itself, but it’s impressive nonetheless to see so many of the cast members continuing to do so well for themselves almost 30 years later.
Starting with Shelly Long (as Diane, server at the bar and periodic paramour to both Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer’s characters), even as the cast member who has arguably done the least since the show’s end, she currently maintains amore than modest net worthof around $10 million. While she’s by no means a “nobody,” many might have expected a much more robust future for her acting career after her character was so well received during her 5 year tenure onCheers. Even so, several film roles and a recent run as a recurring character onModern Familyhave kept Long busy and comfortable.
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Meanwhile, Kirstie Alley, who joined the show following Shelly Long’s departure, commands a respectable $40 million. Some fans who preferred Long’s character might have been put off by Alley’s character Rebecca, but her popularity can’t be denied. Around the same bracket, George Wendt and Rhea Perlman clock in at $45 million and $50 million, respectively. Wendt’s character Normstole many a sceneon the show with his signature entrances and stories about his wife, while Perlman’s Carla served drinks and insults with equal energy. While both have maintained respectable careers sinceCheers, those classic roles continue to be arguably their most recognizable.
Now to move on to the heavy hitters (no disrespect to the previous stars). Oddly enough, Woody Harrelson (playing Woody the bartender) isn’t the highest on the list, even considering his expansive acting career through more recent years. Appearing in films likeZombielandandSolo: A Star Wars Story, Harrelson’s $65 million net worth is no surprise. Up one step on the ladder is Kelsey Grammer, who played the pretentious psychiatrist Frasier Crane in bothCheersand his own successful spinoffFrasier. While he is undoubtedly best known for that particular character, his uniquely classical performances and widespread career make his $80 million fortune seem almost too small for his accomplishments.
Finally moving into the other two biggest of the big cheeses, Ted Danson comes in at a surprising three-way tie for first place. Also worth $80 million, Danson’s run onCheersas the bar’s owner Sam Malone may have earned him widespread attention, but his roles since then have skyrocketed him into true stardom. FromCSI: Crime Scene InvestigationtoThe Good Place, his range and likable demeanor continue to captivate viewers to this day.
Now here’s the surprise. Some may be thinking “where’s Cliff?” Others might say “oh, he probably didn’t even make the list.” Well, welcome to What The Heck Town, population: whoever said those things. John Ratzenberger, who played the occasionally lovable and often patronizing faux-intellectual Cliff, completes the $80 million triumvirate. Possibly best known now for being the only person who has appeared in everyPixarfilm, Ratzenberger has remained consistent all these years, and it’s clearly served him well. Also, fun fact, he had a bit part inThe Empire Strikes Backas a Rebel officer. (He’s the guy who said to close the doors on Hoth while Luke was still out there. That’s right, it’s partially his fault Luke had to sleep in a dead tauntaun.)
So on that note, who wants to bingeCheersagain for the 30th time?
