Movies - TV
Why Lucille Ball Said ‘No’ To A Cameo Role In Cheers
By SANDY SCHAEFER
Iconic television actors often remain tied to the characters that made them famous. For Lucille Ball, this was the mischievous Lucy Ricardo from “I Love Lucy.”
When the sitcom “Cheers” premiered in 1982, Ball immediately recognized it as something special. This started a conversation about Ball potentially cameoing on the show.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “Cheers” co-creator Les Charles said “[Ball] got in touch with us indirectly that she liked it and would consider coming on.”
The creators met with Ball at her home to discuss her potentially playing Diane Chambers’ mother. Ball, however, declined the offer.
Charles explained her decision, stating, “She very wisely decided against it because she felt that 'Lucy' fans wouldn't want to see her as another character.”