The Rhea Perlman Remark That Got Jay Thomas’ ‘Cheers’ Character Killed Off

Anyone who has watched Cheers knows that much of its magic came from its cast, from the charming, womanizing bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) to the acid-tongued waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman). And for nine episodes, beginning in 1987, actor and radio personality Jay Thomas got to be part of the fun as Eddie LeBec, a French-Canadian goalie for the Boston Bruins and Carla’s unlikely love interest.

Before he played Eddie, Thomas was already a man of many talents. Born in Texas and raised in New Orleans, he had been a college athlete, a stand-up comedian, and a very successful radio personality…