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Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michael Alaimo dead at 86: Cheers and Scrubs TV actor passes away after storied career
A working character actor in Hollywood for more than six decades has died at the age of 86, his family said. Michael Alaimo, who also had a background in the theater, died in Burbank, California on May 2, his daughter Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, a PR and communications professional, told Variety. The actor's most high profile roles included parts in films such as 1996's Space Jam and 1979's The China Syndrome, along with roles on a number of stalwart TV shows. Alaimo appeared on a February 1985 episode of the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, which suffered a loss with the death of beloved actor George Wendt earlier this week at 76. Alaimo had played the role of a character named Vinnie Claussen on the episode, which was titled 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real and the fourth episode of the seventh episode of the show's fourth season. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Alaimo, who also had a background in the theater, died in Burbank, California on May 2. Pictured in LA in 2020 Thomas told the entertainment industry publication that her dad 'passed away peacefully,' but a specific cause was not cited. Alaimo acted opposite NBA icon Michael Jordan in the 1996 film Space Jam, playing the role of the doctor. The animated film also featured voice acting prodigy Billy West playing the parts of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. The motion picture, which featured the ballad I Believe I Can Fly, featured a who's who of cameos from legendary people in the sports world. They included Jordan's longtime teammate Scottie Pippen, as well as NBA icons such as Shaquille O'Neal, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Steve Kerr. Some of the movies Alaimo appeared in earlier in his career, included 1969's Graffiti; 1968's Come Play with Me; and Indecent Desires. In 1967, Alaimo appeared in the films The Sex Cycle; File X for Sex: The Story of the Perverted; A Taste of Flesh; Come Ride the Wild Pink Horse; and Skin Deep in Love. He maintained a regular presence on the small screen throughout the 1980s, with appearances on shows such as ALF, Dynasty, The Paper Chase, Mr. Belvedere, Night Court and Hill Street Blues. Alaimo also appeared in films including the 1989 Tony Danza comedy She's Out of Control and 1983's Mr. Mom, which starred Michael Keaton and the late Teri Garr. Other notable roles he played was Mr. Radford on Scrubs in 2004, along with parts on The Drew Carey Show in 1997 and The Wonder Years in 1992. The actor's final role was in a biographical drama titled Sinatra! Eternity, which also featured Michael Madsen, Harry Dean Stanton and Eric Roberts. The actor is survived by his wife Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
K9 sniffs out meth during northwest GA traffic stop
Two people are behind bars after Georgia deputies said they found illegal drugs during a traffic stop. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Tuesday, Pickens County deputies conducted a traffic stop. Officials said the stop was part of an ongoing methamphetamine distribution investigation in Pickens County. TRENDING STORIES: South Fulton mayor charged with criminal trespassing The Chrisleys are coming back to reality TV to expose the 'raw truth of their lives' 'Space Jam,' 'Cheers' actor, Michael Alaimo, dies The sheriff's office said K9 Storm gave a positive alert that drugs were in the car. PCSO said they found a pound of meth, a loaded gun, and other controlled substances (pills) in the car. Deputies arrested Gerald Cornett and passenger Faye Jimenez . They are bother charged with trafficking meth, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm during a felony. Cornett also faces another charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Wendt Was the Second 'Cheers' Actor to Die This Month
The entertainment industry lost one of its most beloved actors when Cheers star George Wendt — "NORM!" — passed away at age 76 earlier this week. Sadly, the fan-favorite character actor was actually the second Cheers star to die this month. News broke on Wednesday, May 21, that actor Michael Alaimo died on May 2 at age 86. The actor — who appeared in such iconic '90s films as Space Jam, The Sandlot, Air Bud and more — portrayed Vinnie Claussen on the 1985 Cheers episode "2 Good 2 Be 4 Real." The Season 4 episode features Alaimo's character attempting to woo Rhea Perlman's no-nonsense Carla Tortelli at the bar after sending her a letter in the mail. The ruse of the episode, however, is that the rest of the Cheers bartenders and bar patrons, feeling sorry for Carla's single status, create a fictional suitor for the blunt barmaid, causing her to turn down actual potential love interests like Vinnie. Alaimo's daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, confirmed her father's death in a statement to Variety on Wednesday. While she did not cite a cause of death for the actor, she told the outlet that her dad "passed away peacefully." The statement of Alaimo's death echoes that of Wendt's family's own announcement of his passing. Wendt — who starred in every episode of Cheers and earned six Emmy nominations for his portrayal of beloved barfly Norm Peterson — died peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday, May 20. 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever," the actor's publicist said in a statement on Tuesday. "The family has requested privacy during this time." Wendt is survived by wife Bernadette Birkett, as well as their three children and his two stepchildren. He was also the uncle of fellow actor Jason Sudeikis. Wendt's longtime Cheers co-stars paid tribute to the iconic star following the announcement of his death — including Perlman, Ted Danson (who played bar owner Sam Malone), and John Ratzenberger, who portrayed Norm's best friend Cliff Claven on 11 seasons of the hit sitcom. Danson, 77, shared a particularly poignant statement about the passing of his longtime friend and co-star. 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,' the Good Place alum told the New York Post in a statement via his rep. 'I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.'
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Space Jam Actor Michael Alaimo Passes Away at 86, Day After Fellow Cheers Star George Wendt's Demise, Know Who He Was
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to an individual's death. Michael Alaimo, a longtime character actor known for his roles in Space Jam, Cheers, and dozens of other films and TV shows, died on May 2 in Burbank, California. He was 86. His daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, confirmed the news on May 21, saying he passed away peacefully. No cause of death was shared. Michael Alaimo's career spanned more than 60 years, and while he wasn't a household name, he was a recognizable face to generations of viewers. 'He passed away peacefully,' Gabriella said in a statement to Variety. Alaimo's death came just one day after the passing of Cheers star George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom. Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at the age of 76. He was remembered as 'a doting family man' and 'a well-loved friend' by his publicist. Ted Danson said in a statement, 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us... I love you, Georgie.' Michael Alaimo is remembered by many for his guest appearance on Cheers in the 1985 episode 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real. He played Vinnie Claussen, a man who tries to woo Carla Tortelli, played by Rhea Perlman. The episode became popular among fans of the series. Alaimo's TV work extended far beyond Cheers. He had roles on several classic shows from the 1980s and 1990s, including Hill Street Blues, Dynasty, Night Court, Mr. Belvedere, The Paper Chase, ALF, The Wonder Years, and Scrubs. In 2004, he played Mr. Radford on Scrubs, and in 1997, he appeared on The Drew Carey Show. Alaimo's film work included roles in Space Jam (1996), where he played the team doctor opposite Michael Jordan. He also had parts in Mr. Mom (1983) with Michael Keaton and She's Out of Control (1989) starring Tony Danza. Earlier in his career, Alaimo appeared in films like The China Syndrome (1979), Graffiti (1969), and Come Play with Me (1968). Some of these low-budget genre films gained cult followings over the years. Michael Alaimo is survived by his wife, Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Beloved Cheers and Space Jam actor Michael Alaimo dies aged 86
Michael Alaimo, a seasoned character actor whose screen and stage career spanned more than sixty years, has died at the age of 86. His daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, confirmed his death, noting he passed away peacefully on May 2 in Burbank, California. No cause of death was disclosed. Alaimo built a long, varied résumé in Hollywood, marked by memorable turns in film, television, and theater. Though never a household name, he became a familiar face to generations of viewers, thanks to a steady stream of supporting roles. One of his most widely seen performances came in the 1996 cult hit Space Jam, where he appeared opposite Michael Jordan as the team doctor. Earlier in his career, Alaimo had roles in socially resonant films like The China Syndrome (1979), a nuclear meltdown thriller that mirrored real-world anxieties. He also worked on a variety of genre films in the late 1960s and early 70s, including Graffiti (1969) and Come Play with Me (1968), often appearing in low-budget, adult-oriented features that later developed cult followings. On television, Alaimo made appearances on numerous iconic shows throughout the 1980s. He guest-starred on Cheers in a 1985 episode titled 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real, playing the role of Vinnie Claussen. The appearance came during the show's acclaimed fourth season. More Trending Other TV credits included Dynasty, Night Court, Hill Street Blues, ALF, Mr. Belvedere, and The Paper Chase. He also played Mr. Radford on Scrubs in 2004, along with parts on The Drew Carey Show in 1997 and The Wonder Years in 1992. Alaimo also appeared in films including the 1989 Tony Danza comedy She's Out of Control and 1983's Mr. Mom, which starred Michael Keaton and the late Teri Garr. The actor is survived by his wife Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia. This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. For more stories like this, check our entertainment page. Follow Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Dropout Kings singer Adam Ramey dies aged 32 after 'painful battle with addiction' MORE: Ted Danson 'devastated' after Cheers co-star George Wendt dies aged 76 MORE: Doctor Who and Coronation Street star Michael McStay dies aged 92 as family pay tribute
