Remembering Bob Broder: The Man Who Brought Cheers and Frasier to Life

The Man Behind Cheers: Bob Broder Leaves a Lasting Legacy

In a shocking turn of events, Bob Broder, the mastermind behind the iconic TV series Cheer (not to be confused with the popular Netflix show about cheerleaders), has passed away at the age of 85 due to cancer. But Broder's impact on the entertainment industry will live on for generations to come.

For those who may not know, Broder was more than just a talent agent - he was a true Hollywood legend. With a career spanning over four decades, he had his fingers in every pie, from packaging hit shows like Cheers (yes, that Cheers) to representing some of the biggest names in TV. And it all started with a simple idea: "Why not put a group of quirky characters in a Boston bar and make them laugh?"

As one of the creators of Cheers, Broder was instrumental in bringing this iconic sitcom to life. But what's even more impressive is that he had a cameo appearance in the show's final episode - knocking on the door of the very same bar where Sam Malone (Ted Danson) poured drinks for his adoring fans.

But Cheers wasn't Broder's only claim to fame. He was also behind some of the most beloved TV shows of all time, including Frasier, The X-Files, and Two And A Half Men. And if you think that's impressive, wait until you hear this: he still had his hands full with producer Chuck Lorre right up until his passing! One of his final projects? Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - a show so new, it didn't even make the cut for our archives.

Broder's influence on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. As one of the co-founders of the Broder Kurland Agency in 1978 (which was later acquired by ICM in 2006), he set the bar high for talent agents everywhere. And it's no surprise that his agency became synonymous with quality and class - after all, who wouldn't want to be represented by someone as sophisticated and charming as Bob Broder?

Ted Chervin, a fellow agent and partner at Broder Kurland, had this to say about the man: "He elevated the idea of what it means to be an agent. He operated at a level of such sophistication and complexity and authority that he really changed the game." And we couldn't agree more.

But it's not just his professional accomplishments that make Broder stand out - it's also his larger-than-life personality. His colleagues remember him as a "statesman-like figure" who inspired loyalty and admiration in all those around him. "He had a real ability to bring people together," says Chervin. "And, through all of that, he inspired a lot of people, including Chris [Silbermann] and me."

As news of Broder's passing spread, the entertainment industry came out in force to pay their respects. And it's clear that this is more than just a loss for his family - it's a blow to the entire community. As Chervin so eloquently put it: "Even now, when people refer to the agency, they just call it Broder. And that might be because his name came first on the letterhead, but I think it’s also because he really was the figure most centrally identified with that agency... He was the soul of that agency."

And as we say goodbye to this Hollywood legend, one thing is clear: Bob Broder's legacy will live on for generations to come.