Beloved Cheers and Space Jam actor Michael Alaimo dies aged 86
Actor Michael Alaimo has died at 86 years old (Picture: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
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.
Alaimo was known for his prevalence as a character actor (Picture: Amanda Edwards/WireImage)
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.
Other TV credits included Dynasty, Night Court, Hill Street Blues, ALF, Mr. Belvedere, and The Paper Chase.
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 Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
For more stories like this, check ourentertainment page.
Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates.You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
Related Posts:
George Wendt, who played a beloved barfly on ‘Cheers’ and found another home onstage, dies at 76 News By MARK KENNEDY NEW YORK (AP) — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He was 76. Related Articles Today…
Cheers star George Wendt dies aged 76: ‘He will be missed forever’ Entertainment Cheers actor George Wendt has died at the age of 76 (Picture: Getty) George Wendt has died at the age of 76. The actor, most known for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, died at his home early this morning. His family confirmed the news to TMZ, sharing that…
George Wendt dies at 76; actor played fan favorite Norm Peterson on ‘Cheers’ News By Mark Kennedy | Associated Press NEW YORK — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He…
George Wendt dies at 76; actor played fan favorite Norm Peterson on ‘Cheers’ News By Mark Kennedy | Associated Press NEW YORK — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He…
George Wendt, Chicago actor who starred as Norm on 'Cheers,' dies at 76 News NEW YORK — George Wendt, an actor with an everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He was 76. Mr. Wendt's family said…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
