Why Woody Harrelson Was Absent For ‘Cheers’ Reunion At The Emmys

The 75th Emmy Awards ceremony honored some classic TV shows, including the 80’s sitcom series Cheers. The segment featuring the cast reunion saw Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt on stage. However, Woody Harrelson was notably absent.

Woody, who played Boyd in the series, was absent due to another engagement in the UK, as explained by executive producers Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay. “Woody Harrelson couldn’t make Cheers because he’s in a play,” Collins noted.

Woody Harrelson and others were missed at ‘Cheers’ reunion

Aside from Woody, American Horror Story’s Connie Britton was meant to anchor a segment alongside Murder House star Dylan McDermott; however, she canceled at the last minute as she was on a job. “So there were a few people where there were just logistical challenges. But we were lucky to get so many people who were willing to participate,” Collins added.

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The present Cheers co-stars sat around the recreated Boston bar set to reminisce and announce the winner for outstanding directing for a comedy series. “Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you, thank you,” Danson started, after thanking the host Anthony Anderson for “getting us all here.”

Unavoidably absent

Some actors were absent, including Kirstie Alley, Matthew Perry, and several others, not due to scheduling issues but because they passed away. Kirstie, who played Diane Chambers in Cheers, was honored in the In Memoriam segment, as well as Perry, who played Chandler Bing in Friends.

Collins revealed that the event organizers had planned to bring in the cast of Friends, but Perry’s passing changed plans. “I can imagine, from their side, they’re mourning someone who was still very close to them. I can’t speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family,” Collins explained. “It was probably just a little too soon.”