Space Jam Actor Michael Alaimo Passes Away at 86, Day After Fellow Cheers Star George Wendt's Demise, Know Who He Was
Michael Alaimo, a longtime character actor known for his roles in Space Jam, Cheers, and dozens of other films and TV shows, died on May 2 in Burbank, California. He was 86. His daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, confirmed the news on May 21, saying he passed away peacefully. No cause of death was shared.
Michael Alaimo's career spanned more than 60 years, and while he wasn't a household name, he was a recognizable face to generations of viewers. 'He passed away peacefully,' Gabriella said in a statement to Variety. Alaimo's death came just one day after the passing of Cheers star George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at the age of 76. He was remembered as 'a doting family man' and 'a well-loved friend' by his publicist. Ted Danson said in a statement, 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us... I love you, Georgie.'
Michael Alaimo is remembered by many for his guest appearance on Cheers in the 1985 episode 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real. He played Vinnie Claussen, a man who tries to woo Carla Tortelli, played by Rhea Perlman. The episode became popular among fans of the series.
Alaimo's TV work extended far beyond Cheers. He had roles on several classic shows from the 1980s and 1990s, including Hill Street Blues, Dynasty, Night Court, Mr. Belvedere, The Paper Chase, ALF, The Wonder Years, and Scrubs. In 2004, he played Mr. Radford on Scrubs, and in 1997, he appeared on The Drew Carey Show.
Alaimo's film work included roles in Space Jam (1996), where he played the team doctor opposite Michael Jordan. He also had parts in Mr. Mom (1983) with Michael Keaton and She's Out of Control (1989) starring Tony Danza.
Earlier in his career, Alaimo appeared in films like The China Syndrome (1979), Graffiti (1969), and Come Play with Me (1968). Some of these low-budget genre films gained cult followings over the years.
Michael Alaimo is survived by his wife, Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Alec Baldwin to host audio drama on Abraham Lincolns final days
Washington DC [US], July 15 (ANI): Alec Baldwin is all set to host a historical audio drama titled 'The Ides of April.' The eight-episode series will explore a major moment in American history: the 17 days in April 1865 that began with the surrender at Appomattox and ended with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Baldwin, who also serves as executive producer, said in a statement, as per Variety: "This is one of the most extraordinary American stories ever told, and one that still echoes through our country's political DNA. It's a privilege to bring these voices -- and this chaos -- to life." The series is written and produced by Branden Morgan, the creator of The Devil Within. According to Variety, Morgan praised Baldwin's involvement, saying, "I'm thrilled to join forces with Alec Baldwin. He's a pioneering voice in the podcast industry, and his work on this show is extraordinary. This series is bold, cinematic, and full of the emotional weight this moment in history deserves." The Ides of April uses immersive sound design and dramatic narration to take listeners back to a time of national crisis and conspiracy. It was recorded at CDM Studios in Manhattan, with sound by Zach McNees. The project is produced by Evio Creative, a new storytelling studio, and also involves executive producers Matt DelPiano, Branden Morgan, and Baldwin himself. Ad sales for the podcast are being handled by Ben Watson's according to Variety. The series, set to release on July 23, will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (ANI)
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Harry Potter Series First Look: Presenting Dominic McLaughlin As A Wizard. Filming Begins
London: The much-awaited Harry Potter TV series has officially started production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, reported Variety. The makers have also revealed the first look at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter on Monday. Taking to their Instagram handle, HBO has announced the commencement of the Harry Potter TV series shooting. They also shared a first look at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, smiling in costume with the character's signature round glasses and school uniform. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young trio were selected from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned in a casting call last fall, reported Variety. The makers also announced the new casting of characters Neville Longbottom, Dudley Dursley, Madam Rolanda Hooch and Garrick Olivander. Actors Rory Wilmot, Amos Kitson, Louise Brealey and Anton Lesser have been cast in the roles, respectively. The series has also been confirmed to debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max where available, reported Variety. Led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod of 'Succession,' HBO's new take on the beloved book-turned-movie-franchise will follow the young Potter as he discovers he's a wizard, leaves his Muggle family behind and sets off to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reported Variety. Along the way, he befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and battles Lord Voldemort. As for the other prominent cast, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu is Severus Snape, and Nick Frost is Rubeus Hagrid. Other names include Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Variety exclusively reported that Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will play Petunia and Vernon Dursley. The series is written and executive-produced by Gardiner. Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes, which is being made by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Shweta Tripathis production debut to feature Tillotama Shome
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 15 (ANI): Actor Shweta Tripathi, who is all set to produce her first feature film titled 'Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan,' has now joined hands with 'Paatal Lok' actress Tillotama Shome. According to Variety, the film will revolve around a queer love story and will star Tripathi herself alongside Shome. Shome will play a crucial role in the film, which is set to be directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjoy Nag and is scheduled to go on floors by the end of 2025. "This film is very close to my heart -- not just because it's my first as a producer, but because of what it stands for," Tripathi said, as per Variety. "Queer love stories deserve to be told with honesty, beauty, and nuance. Having Tillotama on board makes this even more special. She's not just a phenomenal actor; she's also someone I deeply admire and trust. We've been wanting to work together for a long time, and I can't think of a better project to begin this journey with," she added. Shome is best known for her work in Indian independent films and has been part of titles like 'Monsoon Wedding,' 'Sir,' 'Shadowbox,' and 'A Death in the Gunj.' She has also appeared in shows including 'Delhi Crime,' 'The Night Manager,' and 'Paatal Lok.' Sanjoy Nag, who will direct the film, is best known for his debut 'Memories in March,' which won a National Award and premiered at Busan. His other works include Yours Truly' and 'Morning Sunshine'. (ANI)
