Michael Alaimo dead at 86: Cheers and Scrubs TV actor passes away after storied career
Michael Alaimo, who also had a background in the theater, died in Burbank, California on May 2, his daughter Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, a PR and communications professional, told Variety.
The actor's most high profile roles included parts in films such as 1996's Space Jam and 1979's The China Syndrome, along with roles on a number of stalwart TV shows.
Alaimo appeared on a February 1985 episode of the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, which suffered a loss with the death of beloved actor George Wendt earlier this week at 76.
Alaimo had played the role of a character named Vinnie Claussen on the episode, which was titled 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real and the fourth episode of the seventh episode of the show's fourth season.
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Alaimo, who also had a background in the theater, died in Burbank, California on May 2. Pictured in LA in 2020
Thomas told the entertainment industry publication that her dad 'passed away peacefully,' but a specific cause was not cited.
Alaimo acted opposite NBA icon Michael Jordan in the 1996 film Space Jam, playing the role of the doctor.
The animated film also featured voice acting prodigy Billy West playing the parts of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
The motion picture, which featured the R.Kelly ballad I Believe I Can Fly, featured a who's who of cameos from legendary people in the sports world.
They included Jordan's longtime teammate Scottie Pippen, as well as NBA icons such as Shaquille O'Neal, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Steve Kerr.
Some of the movies Alaimo appeared in earlier in his career, included 1969's Graffiti; 1968's Come Play with Me; and Indecent Desires.
In 1967, Alaimo appeared in the films The Sex Cycle; File X for Sex: The Story of the Perverted; A Taste of Flesh; Come Ride the Wild Pink Horse; and Skin Deep in Love.
He maintained a regular presence on the small screen throughout the 1980s, with appearances on shows such as ALF, Dynasty, The Paper Chase, Mr. Belvedere, Night Court and Hill Street Blues.
Alaimo also appeared in films including the 1989 Tony Danza comedy She's Out of Control and 1983's Mr. Mom, which starred Michael Keaton and the late Teri Garr.
Other notable roles he played was Mr. Radford on Scrubs in 2004, along with parts on The Drew Carey Show in 1997 and The Wonder Years in 1992.
The actor's final role was in a biographical drama titled Sinatra! Eternity, which also featured Michael Madsen, Harry Dean Stanton and Eric Roberts.
The actor is survived by his wife Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
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