Cheers and Space Jam actor Michael Alaimo has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.
Michael Alaimo has died aged 86. Credit: Jonathan Leibson/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Alaimo's daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, revealed that her father had died on May 2 in Burbank, California, adding to Variety that he'd passed away peacefully.
No cause of death has currently been disclosed.
Alaimo was a much-loved star, having a screen and stage career spanning over sixty years.
One of his best-known roles was starring opposite Michael Jordan in the 1996 hit movie Space Jam as the team doctor.
Other movie appearances included The China Syndrome (1979), Graffiti (1969), and Come Play With Me (1968).
Alaimo became a well-known face on television with a string of appearances on numerous iconic shows throughout the 1980s.
He appeared on Cheers in 1985 in the episode 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real from the acclaimed fourth series, playing Vinnie Claussen.
The star also appeared in Dynasty, ALF, Night Court, Hill Street Blues, The Paper Chase, and Mr. Belvedere.
Alaimo played Mr. Radford on Scrubs in 2004, as well as appearing in The Wonder Years in 1992, and The Drew Carey Show in 1997.
Alaimo's career spanned over 60 years. Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an actor, Alaimo studied theater at Brooklyn College.
He performed in Joseph Papp’s NY Shakespeare in Central Park from 1961 to 1964, where he led a commedia dell’arte troupe and was involved in political activism with East Harlem’s Gut Theatre.
Alaimo went on to move to San Francisco to tour with the anti-war show F.T.A. before reaching Los Angeles in 1973, where his career took of in earnest, including with an early role in The Six Million Dollar Man.
His final role was in the 2025 biographical drama Sinatra! Eternity, which also featured Michael Madsen, Harry Dean Stanton and Eric Roberts.
He is survived by his wife Louise, daughters Gabriella and Giovanna, and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
George Wendt has sadly passed away. Credit: Rick Kern / Getty Images
News of Alaimo's death comes after fellow Cheers star George Wendt was revealed to have died.
Wendt, who played bar regular Norm on the hit sitcom, passed away aged 76.
A representative for the family told the BBC: “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.”
Wendt starred in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role as the beer-loving regular at Boston's most famous fictional bar.