Be sure to check out my Entertainment Urban Legends Revealed for more urban legends about the worlds of TV, Movies and Music! He first told the story in 1998 and returned almost every year to tell it again until Letterman retired. And, according to the co-creator of the series, Thomas could have appeared on even more episodes of the popular show if he hadn't insulted Perlman during a radio show. SinceCheers was primarily set at a bar, we only saw Carlas home life when it pulled up a stool. Later, Bebe Neuwirth joined the cast as Frasier's wife Lilith. And I think I did a pretty good job, although maybe it wasnt good enough for him.. See This story has been shared 4,038 times. 3,505, This story has been shared 2,911 times. Why did the show write him, and even have him die? His writing has been featured at ESPN.com, the Los Angeles Times, About.com, the Huffington Post and Gizmodo. Survivors include his wife Sally and sons Sam, Max and J.T. 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He won back-to-back Emmys in 1991-92 for the guest role on "Murphy Brown," playing outspoken . Thomas also had small but memorable parts in films such as Mr. Hollands Opus and the latter two Santa Clause movies. As a comedian and a person, Thomas was always unfiltered, hilarious and unafraid to cross the line, which explains how he got himself written off of Cheers. 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Login Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much One of the greatest strengths of the classic show is itsensemble cast, who portrayed the gang of compelling characters from the ladies' man bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) to his on-and-off academic girlfriend Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) who are still celebrated today. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Both Rhea Perlman and James Burrows deny it had anything to do with writing off Eddie. Actor Jay Thomas, best known for his roles in the classic sitcoms "Murphy Brown" and "Cheers," has died, according to his publicist. He attended Gulf Coast College, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Central Piedmont College, and Jacksonville University, graduating with an AA, BS, and MA. Jay Thomas kissed and told too much Between 1987 and 1989, the late Jay Thomas played the recurring role of hockey player Eddie LeBec on the hit sitcom Cheers. He was a delightful character. To explain his departure we decided to just kill him, which led to one of my favorite episodes that David and I wrote, Death Takes a Holiday on Ice. In the late '80s, actor Jay Thomas appeared on several episodes of Cheers as the love interestand eventual husband ofCarla Tortelli, who was played by Rhea Perlman. What about Long and Ted Danson? Thomas often played loud, sleazy types: He recurred on ShowtimesRay DonovanasMarty Grossman, the operator of a salacious TMZ-like website. Has three sons in total, Jake and Sam, with wife Sally Michelson, plus another son, During the summer of 1967, Jay (then Jon Terrell) worked as an apprentice at the Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, Connecticut. The biggest surprise exit from the program came from Shelley Long. Jay Thomas the storyteller kept a story alive year after year, and Jay Thomas the actor gave sitcom fans a story to tell year after year. Like on Carson, when [Don] Rickles would come out. Discovery Company. While obviously one of the most amazing things that can happen to an actor working in television is to be part of a show that turns out to be a major hit (look at the ways that, say, the cast of Friends went from an assortment of mostly no-names, and "Hey, that's the girl from the Bruce Springsteeen video!" He played Rhea Perlman's husband, Eddie LeBec, on "Cheers," and won the best guest actor Emmy in 1990 and 1991 for his portrayal of the character Jerry Gold on "Murphy Brown." Eddie showed up a few more times in Season Six and Seven, but then something major happened off-camera in between April and November of 1989. Jay Thomas was a popular radio personality for years before he began receiving acting opportunities on television. Thomas went on to have a recurring role on Murphy Brown and then a starring role on the sitcom Love and War (from Murphy Brown creator Diane English). Follow him on Twitter at @Brian_Cronin and feel free to e-mail him suggestions for stories about comic books that you'd like to see featured at brianc@cbr.com! quotes, By the way I used to ride the elevator with Jay as he was heading to his morning show at Power / Magic, whatever the hell it was. jay thomas, Other Works Following his comment, Thomas was not simply written out of the showhe was written off the show through his character meeting a painful, embarrassing end. What Thomas had to say about kissing his co-star did not go over well with others involved in the show, and they retaliated in a very creative way. The guy took one look at Thomas and his producer and said, Oh really, who do you think they are going to believe, you two hippie freaks or me? At this point, Moore emerged from the backseat and said, Theyll believe me, citizen.. Thomas also had a turn on "Cheers" as Rhea Perlman's TV-husband Eddie LeBec, a Boston Bruins hockey player who was killed by a Zamboni. And, according to the co-creator of the series, Thomas could have appeared on even more episodes of the popular show if he hadn't insulted Perlman during a radio show. Eddie is killed off (off-screen) in Season 8's "Death Takes a Holiday on Ice," where we also learn he was married to another woman. Not Rheathey were talking about Carla. He is most remembered for Mr. Holland's Opus. About that Lone Ranger story: Thomas was a radio host with big hair in Charlotte in the early 70s, and he and his producer offered to give Moore wearing his crime-fighter costume and mask for an appearance at a car dealership a ride to the airport. ", The Sirius radio host also had roles in films including "Mr. Holland's Opus," "The Santa Clause 2" and "The Santa Clause 3." Click the AdBlock Plus button on your browser and select Disable on Observer.com. '", Thomas explained of what he said on the radio show, "[Listeners] would go, 'What's it like to kiss Carla?' I loved Jay, Letterman told CNN in a statement. to global superstars), there is something that is almost more amazing, which is to join one of these shows after it has become a hit and become accepted as part of the show's DNA. As it turns out, it appears Thomas' own big mouth got himself kicked off of the show. Although grew up in the south he most played "New Yorky" characters. 3,913, This story has been shared 3,885 times. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6161 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. She said, 'I want him off the show,'" Levine claimed. 2023 Cable News Network. Jay Thomas was one of the funniest and kindest men I have had the honor to call both client and friend for 25 years plus. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The colorful anecdote involved Thomas giving a ride to a costumed Clayton Moore, star of TVs The Lone Ranger, and getting involved in a minor car crash that escalated into more. And it has nothing to do with Rhea. And he goes, 'Look, we're not going to have you back on the show. It may have been even better than the original. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, TV Legends Revealed: Why You Don't Mess With Carla On Cheers. In 2006, one of the "Cheers" writers, Ken Levine, explained the behind the scenes drama of Thomas' departure from the series in a blog post. LeBec is a hockey player for. Thomas began his career in entertainment as a radio DJ before trying his hand at stand-up comedy and acting. Jay Thomas and Rhea Perlman were in Cheers (1982) together.. About. According to the book (via Page Six), a listener called in to Thomas' show and asked what it was like being part of Cheers, to which Thomas responded, "It's brutal. Thomas' best known-roles were on the small screen. (We were worried that we wouldnt be able to use the name Zamboni but the company loved it. Her zodiac sign is Aries. 1,120, This story has been shared 1,091 times. In a way thats fitting, as Thomas was also known for his annual telling of a Lone Ranger story onThe Late Show with David Lettermans annual Christmas episodes. In an oral history of Cheers published by GQ in 2012, Thomas, Perlman, and writer Ken Levine spoke about Thomas being written out of the show. Finally, and most importantly, Kirstie Alley successfully replaced the female lead Shelley Long (who played Diane) after Season 5. Here is where things get a bit disputed. Thomas played "Eddie LeBec," Carla's boyfriend and later husband on the show. He earned that promotion.. (1982) after making a comment during a radio show in which he made fun of Rhea Perlman's looks. 1,917, This story has been shared 1,836 times. Jay Thomas, the good-natured comic actor who starred on the sitcoms Murphy Brown and Cheers, died Thursday. trivia, He was 69. Jay Thomas died on Thursday at 69 after a battle with cancer. Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane, was also not a lock to remain on the show long-term. One of his biggest roles was as loudmouth TV host Jerry Gold . After kicking off his TV career with a supporting role in Robin Williams Mork & Mindy,Thomas became the go-to guy for sitcoms needing a pinch hitter (Family Tiesone week,The Golden Girls the next). How to Stream Garcelle Beauvais' New Lifetime Movie Online, Stream It Or Skip It: 'Gulmohar' on Hulu, a Hindi Family-Ties Drama Marking the Return of Sharmila Tagore, Steven Spielberg Broke Down in Tears Seeing Paul Dano and Michelle Williams as His Parents in 'The Fabelmans', Is Brendan Frasers The Whale Based on a True Story? Thomas. It's TV legend that Eddie was killed off because Thomas slammed his co-star on his radio show. and more from FamousFix.com. Thomas is survived by wife, Sally, and his three sons. Eventually, Carla finds out she is pregnant with Eddie's twins, and the pair decide to get married. Famous last words and two seconds later Jay Thomas was a "dead Cheers actor" walking. Fans of the program still flock to various streaming services to rewatch their favorite episodes from the show. Discover short videos related to jay thomas rhea perlman on TikTok. A few episodes of recurring bliss and then one day on Jays radio show a caller asked him what it was like to be on Cheers? On the latter, his character winds up appearing in an ice show and gets killed by a Zamboni. These became such a distraction that management changed his duties to mowing the lawn on the grounds. "Rhea came up to my office and she was furiousI'd never seen her like this. All Rights Reserved. Thomas best known roles were Remo DaVinci on ABCs Mork & Mindy, Eddie LeBec on NBCs Cheers and Jerry Gold on NBCs Murphy Brown, where he earned two Emmys. Thomas' best known-roles were on the small screen. 17 Things 'Cheers' Fans Never Knew. to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. Actor Jay Thomas has died at 69. [January 2005]. The actor was also known as an annual guest on The Late Show With David Letterman where he came on during the holiday season to help out with Christmas. Did you encounter any technical issues? 11 Best New Movies on Netflix: March 2023's Freshest Films to Watch, 'Next In Fashion' Season 2 on Netflix: Follow the Designers on Instagram, The 8 Best Soundbars To Buy In 2023, Per Experts, 'Wheel of Fortune' Gets Awkward as Pat Sajak Snaps at Contestant for Grabbing Wheel: "Don't Touch That", Sex/Life Season 2: Adam Demos Tops His Famous Full Frontal Moment With, Uh, Tip, Is 'Yellowstone' On Tonight? His apprenticeship duties involved building sets at this summer stock theatre. Rhea Perlman is a 74 year old American Actress. He won his first award as emcee of the Jesuit High School talent show. Levine continues, "we needed (a) some comic spin for the story, and (b) something to discredit Eddie so the audience would ultimately be glad he was out of Carla's life. Thomas, certainly, but Levine? Jay Thomas was known for his TV roles, most notably as Jerry Gold on Murphy Brown in the 1990s. Why did the show write him, and even have him die? But odds are if you know Jay Thomas, who passed away today at the age of 69, you know him from his recurring role onCheers as Carla Tortellis hockey-playing husband Eddie LeBec. Maybe Tina Fey, maybe. Heck, note that in the quote above, Thomas even says he was specifically told Perlman was not the reason. He played Rhea Perlman's husband, Eddie LeBec, on "Cheers," and won the best guest actor Emmy in 1990 and 1991 for his portrayal of the character . 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Jay Thomas was never seen on Cheers again. In the same oral history, Levine claimed that Perlman was upset about Thomas' radio show comment. Rhea Perlman and Jay Thomas - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos list. As it turns out, though, one notable actor dealt with some off-screen drama that affected her character's arc. A representative for the actor said Thomas had been battling cancer. Instead, Thomas is sent off to perform in an ice show, making just two appearances in Season 7 after seven episodes in Season 6. Originally intended for just a short story arc, Diane's new boyfriend, Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane, ended up sticking with the show for the rest of its run (plus 11 more seasons in his own spinoff series). TIL actor Jay Thomas got his character, Eddie LeBec, killed off of the TV show "Cheers" when he talked about how horrible it was to kiss his character's wife, Rhea Perlman, on his radio show. Thomas won two Emmy awards for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of Gold. Jay Thomas and Rhea Perlman were in an on-screen matchup.. On Screen Matchups. 1,091. Thomas died after a battle with cancer, his friend and longtime agent Don Buchwald confirmed to the New York Daily News. Jay Thomas and Rhea Perlman were in an on-screen matchup. Publicity Listings Recently he has hosted shows at Carolines in NYC and the Bellagio in Vegas. Here's an amusing post-script. "It's brutal, I have to kiss Rhea Perlman". The tale of Thomas awkward exit from Cheershas become a bit of sitcom lore, a piece of TV history thats recounted time and time again. and one book, 100 Things X-Men Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die, from Triumph Books. A native of Kermit, Texas, who was raised in New Orleans, Thomas got his start in radio as a high school football announcer for the Rutherford High Rams in Panama City, Fla. I have to kiss Rhea Perlman.. So why do I lean toward it being true? But there was a point where they [thought] maybe we would live together, and I didn't like the idea of Carla being with somebody because that would make you feel like [you're] not part of the people in the bar. In his new book, Directed by James Burrows, Cheers co-creator James Burrows tells his version ofthe story. I just don't see any reason for why Levine would make up such a story. 3,885, This story has been shared 3,505 times. She said, "I want him off the show.". Cocktail waitress Carla Tortelli, played by Rhea Perlman, meets ice hockey player. He had a few small roles during the early 1980s, popping up on big shows like Family Ties and The Golden Girls, and in 1987 (in the middle of Season 5) he joined Cheers as Boston Bruins goalie Eddie LeBec. When asked about kissing Carla on Cheers, Thomas noted he received combat pay for doing so. "Jay was one of a kind, never at a loss for words and filled with so. He's acted here and there ever since (including a memorable supporting role in Mr. Holland's Opus). I have to kiss Rhea Perlman. I loved Jay Thomas as Eddie LeBec," she said. 1,267, This story has been shared 1,120 times. And I love football, so my two big dreams were totally realized.. And Other Amazing Comic Book Trivia! videos Finally we decided to marry them. Instead, his character was killed off-screen in Season 8. He was also a radio DJ and continued to host a radio show while he was on Cheers. The episode Death Takes a Holiday on Icegot rid of Eddie for good (as Deciders Joe Reid recalled in a recent list). Cocktail waitress Carla Tortelli, played by Rhea Perlman, meets ice hockey player Eddie LeBec (Jay Thomas) in Season 5 and the two continue to date on-and-off for a while.