John Ratzenberger Recounts Chilling Fan Encounter on "Cheers" Set: A Samurai Sword and Stars’ Names
John Ratzenberger, the beloved actor best known for his portrayal of the affable mailman Cliff Clavin on the iconic sitcom "Cheers," recently shared a disturbing anecdote from his time on the show. The incident, involving an unnerving audience member and a concealed weapon, highlights the sometimes-unpredictable nature of fame and the potential risks associated with public life.
During an appearance on the podcast "Still Here Hollywood," Ratzenberger, now 77, recounted the unsettling event. He described noticing a particular audience member during a taping who seemed unusually fixated on Shelley Long, who played Diane Chambers, and Ted Danson, who starred as Sam Malone, the charming bar owner.
"Just wherever [Long and Danson] were, he was staring at them, but his eyes were just a little nuts," Ratzenberger recalled, his voice tinged with a residual sense of unease. He explained that the man’s intense focus on the actors, even when they were off to the side of the main stage action, struck him as deeply unsettling. "And I thought, ‘Something’s wrong there,’ because the action of the stage play, ‘Cheers’ going on there, and this guy’s looking where the actors are standing off to the side."
Ratzenberger, possessing a keen observational sense honed over years of experience, trusted his instincts. He felt compelled to alert the head of security to the man’s peculiar behavior. "I said, ‘That seem odd to you?’" he recounted asking the security personnel. "So he went and checked it out."
The security team approached the audience member and, upon closer inspection, discovered the source of Ratzenberger’s concern. The man was concealing a potentially lethal weapon: a samurai sword. The revelation sent a shiver of fear through the set. The details of what was written on the sword amplified the alarming nature of the incident.
"He had, under his whatever, a samurai sword with – I think it was Ted and Shelley’s name written on it," Ratzenberger revealed, the gravity of the situation evident in his voice. "It was creepy. So they got rid of him."
The swift action of the security team undoubtedly prevented a potentially disastrous situation. The thought of what could have happened had Ratzenberger not noticed the man’s strange behavior is chilling. Despite the seriousness of the encounter, Ratzenberger stated that he "never heard anything else about" the audience member after he was escorted from the premises. However, the memory of the event remains vivid in his mind.
"But that was nuts because they came so close," the actor recalled, emphasizing the proximity of the danger. "But he just didn’t seem right. Just, ‘Something’s wrong there.’"
The "Cheers" cast, comprised of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, and Kelsey Grammer, formed a close-knit ensemble during the show’s impressive run from 1982 to 1993. The show’s immense popularity made the actors household names, but it also brought with it the challenges of dealing with intense fan attention.
Ratzenberger acknowledged that while fan interactions are generally positive, they can sometimes be intrusive or even unsettling. "There’s annoying parts," he admitted. "But that’s gonna happen. See, it goes along with the territory too. You gotta understand. This is the jungle you’re walking through. Now you gotta figure it out."
He mentioned that he had security measures in place at his home, but thankfully, he never experienced any serious incidents. "Nobody ever showed up at the door. Nothing like that," he said. He jokingly added, "I always had dogs, anyway, hoping they’d show up."
The "Cheers" incident serves as a stark reminder of the realities of fame and the importance of vigilance. While most fan interactions are harmless and even heartwarming, there is always a potential for encounters with individuals who may pose a threat. Ratzenberger’s keen observation skills and willingness to speak up played a crucial role in preventing a potentially tragic event.
The anecdote also underscores the dedication and professionalism of security teams responsible for protecting public figures. Their ability to swiftly assess and respond to potential threats is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of actors, musicians, and other individuals in the public eye.
The story serves as a testament to the potential downsides of fame and the sometimes-strange interactions that those in the public eye face. It is also a reminder that even on the set of a beloved sitcom, reality can intrude in unexpected and unsettling ways. Ratzenberger’s experience is a cautionary tale and also a reminder of the importance of trusting one’s instincts. His story reveals the necessity of maintaining awareness and reporting anything that seems amiss. He was able to prevent a potential tragedy.
