Secrets about Sam Malone even 'Cheers' fans missed
08 Jul 2025

Sam Malone, the charming bartender from the iconic sitcom Cheers, is a character loved by all.

While fans may think they know everything about him, some amazing details often go unnoticed.

From his backstory to behind-the-scenes facts, these lesser-known aspects add more depth to his character and make watching him even more enjoyable.

Here's looking at some secrets about Sam Malone that even die-hard fans might not know.

Sam's real-life inspiration
Real-life influence

Sam Malone was inspired by a real-life person known to the show's creators.

The creators had met a former baseball player who took to bartending after his sports career ended.

They used the background to create Sam's character, giving him an authentic feel that resonated with audiences.

This connection between fiction and reality adds an interesting layer to understanding Sam's journey on Cheers.

Ted Danson's hair transformation
Hair secrets

Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, saw some serious hair transformations on the show.

Starting out with a full mane, it was eventually revealed that he wore a hairpiece for most of his time on Cheers.

This was done to keep Sam's appearance consistent as he aged throughout the show.

The subtlety of this switch went mostly unnoticed by fans.

The original character concept
Initial idea

Originally, Sam Malone was envisioned as an ex-football player and not a baseball pitcher.

However, Danson's unfamiliarity with football led producers to change his backstory to baseball instead.

This way, Danson could bring authenticity and confidence to the role, as he knew more about baseball dynamics.

Unseen pilot episode details
Pilot insights

In the unaired pilot episode of Cheers, we can spot a number of differences from what went on to air on television screens globally.

For starters, some character dynamics were changed before the show went into production.

These tweaks helped define relationships between the likes of Diane Chambers and Coach Ernie Pantusso and how they dealt with Sam himself.

Hidden talents revealed on-screen
Talent showcase

In several Cheers episodes, we uncover the hidden talents of characters, including Sam Malone.

He surprises with skills like playing the piano or singing well.

These moments reveal another side beyond bartending, enriching the core storylines about friendships and shared experiences within the bar's walls.

They highlight laughter and life's challenges.