‘Cheers’ guy dies
Sitcom fixture Thomas gone at 69
“RAY DONOVAN” actor and radio talk show host Jay Thomas has lost his battle with cancer, his manager said Thursday. He was 69.
The death of the sitcom role player was announced in a letter from his agent and longtime friend Don Buchwald, who represented him for 35 years.
“Jay was one of a kind, never at a loss for words and filled with so much fun and wonderfully wacky thoughts and behavior. So loyal to us and his friends,” Buchwald said.
Publicist Tom Estey confirmed the death, but neither he nor Buchwald provided details, including when Thomas died.
Estey said his longtime friend and client will be dearly missed by many.
Thomas’ wife, Sally, and his sons, Sam, Jake and J.T., were by his side at his Santa Barbara, Calif., home when he died.
Several of Thomas’ friends and fellow performers took to social media to mourn his death.
“Had the pleasure of casting and directing Jay Thomas many years ago. He was fantastic, an underrated dramatic actor. And a great guy,” Rob Lowe tweeted.
Born John Thomas Terrell in Kermit, Tex., Thomas began his career in radio as a disc jockey and station program manager.
His radio experience led to stand-up comedy gigs and eventually acting on stage and TV. In 1979, he was cast on the hit sitcom “Mork & Mindy” in the role of deli owner Remo DaVinci.
Among Thomas’ more famous roles was a nine-year run as Jerry Gold on “Murphy Brown.” He won two Emmys for that part. Thomas was also a huge hit on “Cheers” from 1987 to 1989, when he played Rhea Perlman’s TV husband, Eddie LeBec — who was run over by a Zamboni.
Talk show audiences know Thomas best from his holiday visits to the “Late Show With David Letterman,” where the two would throw footballs at a meatball placed atop a Christmas tree.
He also starred in “Love & War,” playing a sportswriter who romanced the woman who owned his favorite sports bar.
His film roles include “Mr. Holland’s Opus” and the second and third “Santa Clause” films.
Thomas also hosted a talk show on SiriusXM Radio.