Who was the guy at the end of Cheers?
The guy who appeared at the very end of the beloved sitcom Cheers, just before the credits rolled, was a man played by Bob Broder.
The Iconic Final Scene
The series finale, "One For The Road," concluded with a poignant sequence that underscored Sam Malone's enduring bond with his bar. After a touching final conversation with his long-time patron Norm Peterson, where Norm insightfully noted that Sam would always return to his "one true love"—the bar itself—Norm finally departs.
Just moments later, as Sam stood alone in the quiet bar, reflecting on his life and the establishment, a man knocks on the main entrance door. This brief, wordless appearance by Bob Broder served as a symbolic moment. Sam, in a gesture that cemented his renewed dedication to Cheers, simply responded, "Sorry, we're closed," before turning off the lights. This final interaction beautifully encapsulated the idea that Sam's true commitment lay with the bar and its legacy, signaling that for him, the pursuit of new relationships or ventures outside of Cheers had come to an end, at least for that night, and perhaps for good.
Symbolic Significance
The uncredited appearance of Bob Broder's character was more than just a brief cameo; it was a narrative device to solidify Sam's resolution. It represented the external world trying to intrude, only to be politely turned away, emphasizing that Sam's focus and future lay firmly within the walls of Cheers. It visually reinforced Norm's earlier pronouncement about Sam's unbreakable bond with the establishment.
