Cheers Actress Dead at 93

Fans of “Cheers” were heartbroken this week to learn one of the stars of the show had passed away.

Frances Sternhagen, who played Esther Clavin, the mother of Cliff Clavin, passed away on Monday at the age of 93.

According to her family, she died of natural causes in New Rochelle, NY.

She’s Gone

The family provided a statement to the media regarding her death, stating, "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear mother, actress Frances Sternhagen, died peacefully of natural causes in New Rochelle, NY, on November 27th, 2023 at the age of 93.”

While most people know Sternhagen for her role on “Cheers” as well as playing Bunny McDougal on “Sex and the City,” she had a very accomplished resume.

Sternhagen first broke into the business in 1951, playing Toni Prentiss Davis on the TV series, “Love of Life.”

Sher primarily booked TV roles until the late 1960s, when she started to land more movie roles.

One of her first true blockbuster films was “Independence Day” in 1983, also landing a nice role in “Doc Hollywood” in 1991.

It was also during that time she landed the role on “Cheers,” which aired from 1986-93. She only appeared in seven episodes, but she made the most of them.

Her last TV series credit is Willie Ray Johnson in “The Closer,” with her last overall credit being Claire in “And So It Goes.”

Sternhagen also had a very successful stage career, adding seven Tony nominations and two wins to her impressive TV resume that included 3 Emmy wins.

Some of her most successful stage appearances included “On Golden Pond,” Steel Magnolias,” “The Good Doctor,” and “The Heiress.”

Rest in peace, Frances, and thanks for the stage and screen memories.