"Cliff Claven's" uniform from the sitcom "Cheers"

John Ratzenberger, who played the letter carrier Cliff Claven, first wore this uniform in "Cheers" episode #60591-001 entitled "Give Me a Ring Sometime," which was filmed on April 4, 1982 and originally aired on September 30, 1982 on the NBC Television Network.

The uniform (size 44R jacket; 40-inch waist x 37-inch long trousers) was furnished to the show by Feccheimer of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was retired from use after the fifth season which was completed in March 1987. While Cliff Claven's uniform is part of the National Postal Museum's collection, the show's bar was donated to the National Museum of American History.

The Claven character, a self-proclaimed know-it-all and questionable trivia expert, was actually suggested by Ratzenberger in a meeting with television executives. While auditioning for the role of Norm Peterson (which eventually went to actor George Wendt), Ratzenberger suggested the producers add a character who considers himself an expert on just about any subject. More than just an idea off the top of his head, the character was inspired by one Ratzenberger had played on stage a few years before. Originally, Cliff Claven was to appear in only the first seven shows; but he became such an entertaining figure that the role became a regular character through the show's 275 episodes. Ratzenberger was nominated for Emmy awards for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" in 1985 and 1986. The show, which ran from 1982-1993, received 118 Emmy nominations and 28 Emmy awards.

Museum ID: 1993.2052.1.1