A Boston bartender named Eddie Doyle, who inspired the hit show ‘Cheers,’ has passed away at the age of 85, WCVB reports. He was known as the “heart and soul” of The Bull & Finch Pub on Beacon Street in Boston.
The outlet adds that when the bar’s name changed to “Cheers,” two producers entered and met Doyle, which led to the show’s creation.
“He quickly became the inspiration for the character of Sam Malone on what would become one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history,” WCVB writes.
Eddie Doyle Was Also Very Involved With Charity Work
In an interview with WCVB in November 2025, Doyle opened up about his charity work, which has involved incredible fundraising efforts for organizations such as Cheers for Children, The Neely House and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“My first fundraiser, I think I was under 10 and it was for the Jimmy Fund,” Dolye told the outlet.
“Keep going to your local charities and supporting them,” he later added. “I love Boston. I love everything about it. And there’s nothing that can change that. It’s still the greatest city in the world.”
‘Cheers’ Star George Wendt Passed Away Last Year
GettyGeorge Wendt, who portrayed Norm for all 11 seasons of the hit show “Cheers,” passed away in May 2025 at the age of 76. He died of natural causes in his sleep, and is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” a representative for the family said in a statement at the time of his passing. “He will be missed forever.”
Following his passing, many fans gathered at the Beacon Hill bar with a memorial being set up in his honor, as well as a tribute at his seat at the end of the bar that included a full mug of beer, flowers, and a candle. There was also a photo of his character, with one of his most notable phrases written underneath.
“What’s the story Norm? Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy orders another beer.”
Outside the bar, there was a big banner where fans could also write messages.
“He was the most iconic person on the show. I can’t go through a whole shift without people coming screaming through the door yelling ‘Norm!’ He came through here, really nice guy. Kinda quiet, a little shy, which is surprising. But more than happy to sit at that bar and drink some beers,” Cheers manager Jeff Poirier told WCVB.
