The Man Behind the Bar

Eddie Doyle, the real-life bartender who inspired the TV show "Cheers," has been laid off after decades behind the bar. Doyle, who was known for his friendly demeanor and ability to remember the names of his regulars, described his job as the "perfect job" and the bar as a place where people of all stripes would meet to hash out the day's events.

Doyle's exit is described as the "end of an era" by his longtime friend and fellow bartender Tommy Leonard, who praised Doyle as one of the most giving men he knows. Doyle's decision to turn down a chance to head the graphics department at a now-defunct department store chain is a testament to his dedication to the bar and its patrons.

The Bar that Inspired "Cheers"

The bar that inspired the TV show "Cheers" was not just a fictional setting, but a real-life establishment that was a lot like the show, despite sometimes goofy plots. At the height of the show's popularity, 3,000 people would pass through the bar daily, and 5,000 on weekends, with Doyle at the helm, offering a smile, a beer, and tips about where to find the Boston that wasn't shown on TV.

While the corpulent Norm was not based on a real guy, there was a heavyset regular who would snarl at tourists who would remark, "you must be Norm." Similarly, the surly waitress Carla may have had some real-life inspiration, adding to the authenticity of the bar's portrayal in the show.