Anyone who has watched Cheers knows that much of its magic came from its cast, from the charming, womanizing bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) to the acid-tongued waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman). And for nine episodes, beginning in 1987, actor and radio personality Jay Thomas got to be part of the fun as Eddie LeBec, a French-Canadian goalie for the Boston Bruins and Carla’s unlikely love interest.
Before he played Eddie, Thomas was already a man of many talents. Born in Texas and raised in New Orleans, he had been a college athlete, a stand-up comedian, and a very successful radio personality…
