The Unlikely Story of Cheers' Leading Man
Imagine a sitcom without its iconic lead, a show that could have been completely different.
The creation of Cheers, a beloved classic, was a journey filled with casting dilemmas. Glen and Les Charles, the masterminds behind the show, invested an extraordinary amount of time in finding the perfect cast, so much so that they eventually removed the original audition lines from the script, tired of their own words.
Some choices were straightforward. The Charleses knew early on that Rhea Perlman and George Wendt would be perfect as Carla and Norm, respectively, having worked with Wendt previously on Taxi. John Ratzenberger's casting as Cliff was also a no-brainer.
But the leads, especially the role of Sam Malone, proved more challenging. NBC had a clear vision, suggesting none other than Bill Cosby for the part. Cosby, having already led other TV shows, was open to the idea. However, the Charles brothers had a different vision, fearing that the show would become 'The Bill Cosby Show' and deviate significantly from their intended direction.
Here's where it gets controversial...
The producers adopted a principle during casting: choose unknown performers. They were advised never to have an actor's name in the title, as it could complicate matters if things went south. Little did they know, this rule would be broken later with Roseanne Barr.
Despite NBC's suggestion, the Charleses weren't convinced about Cosby. They wanted someone who could embody the 'jock' vibes for Sam Malone, and Cosby didn't fit the bill. Interestingly, the decision to pass on Cosby wasn't met with much resistance.
Ted Danson, the eventual choice, wasn't an instant pick either. The Charleses considered William Devane, a star from Knots Landing, at the same time. Danson, though he looked the part, was seen more as a character actor. His performance in Body Heat, as a tap-dancing lawyer, didn't give off the athletic energy they sought for Sam.
However, Danson's chemistry with Shelley Long sealed the deal. It was this connection that ultimately landed him the role.
Cheers didn't start as a ratings powerhouse, but it eventually found its stride. Ironically, being scheduled after The Cosby Show on NBC's lineup gave it a boost, increasing its popularity significantly.
So, what do you think? Was Danson the right choice for Sam Malone? And what if Cheers had gone with NBC's suggestion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
