Between 1987 and 1989, Thomas only appeared on the show for nine episodes. Afterward, he went on to play smaller roles in several shows and made-for-TV films. The actor passed away in 2017 after losing a battle with throat cancer.
He left behind his wife and three children, one of whom was songwriter J. T. Harding. With a tumultuous father-son relationship, Thomas and Harding appeared on an episode of “Dr. Phil” to talk about it and hash things out.
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson has become a massive star since rising to fame on "Cheers." He’s won a countless number of awards and been nominated for many more. Harrelson’s able to pull off a multitude of roles, and he manages to wow us whether in a drama or a comedy.
One of the bigger things he’s done over the past decade includes playing Haymitch in "Hunger Games." In addition to his acting, he’s also done some off-screen work when he wrote, directed, and produced "Lost in London" in 2016.
Eddie LeBec
Jay Thomas played Carla’s tough-guy hockey player husband, Eddie LeBec. In 1989, he was asked how he likes being on cheers, and got himself in significant trouble with producers when he responded, “it’s brutal, I have to kiss Rhea Perlman.” Ouch! After that comment, it was reportedly decided to off LeBec.
The show's producers decided to kill Carla’s husband, which was a first in TV sitcoms of those times. The hockey player was killed in a crazy Zamboni accident. At the funeral, it was revealed that he had another wife, one who looked a lot like Carla.
Esther Clavlin
Frances Sternhagen played beloved Esther Clavlin - commonly referred to as “Ma Clavlin.” She doesn’t appear until the fifth season. She debuts in the season's third episode and makes a couple more appearances throughout. Then, she returns in season 6 to help save the family’s home from being demolished.
When Esther hears how much developers were willing to offer her for the home, she throws in the towel. Ma Clavlin took her bundle of money and retired to Florida. Who wouldn’t?
Frances Sternhagen
Sternhagen’s career in entertainment began on the stage, making her Broadway debut in 1955. After her time on television, she chose to return to her roots. In 2005, she starred in Edward Albee’s "Seascape" on Broadway.
She is also credited with appearing in several films throughout the years, including "Dolphin Tale" in 2011 and "And So It Goes" in 2014. She’s been nominated for five Tonys and countless other awards for her work, both on film and stage.