Who played Sam Malone?

Ted Danson played Sam Malone on Cheers. Sam is the show’s central bartender and owner, a former professional baseball player whose charm, confidence, and romantic misadventures anchor the Boston bar’s ensemble.

Cheers ran from 1982 to 1993, and Danson portrayed Sam throughout the series. The character was originally conceived as a former New England Patriots football player, but the creators changed his background after casting Danson, making Sam a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox instead. Danson also attended bartending school to prepare for the role.

Sam’s best-known relationship is his on-again, off-again romance with Diane Chambers, played by Shelley Long. After Diane leaves, Sam repeatedly clashes and flirts with Rebecca Howe, played by Kirstie Alley. John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, and Tom Selleck are associated with other roles or projects, but none played Sam Malone. Danson won two Primetime Emmys for the performance.