Rhea Perlman

Biography

Rhea Jo Perlman (born March 31, 1948) is an American actress and writer. She is best known for her role as head-waitress Carla Tortelli in the sitcom Cheers (1982–1993). Over the course of 11 seasons, Perlman was nominated for ten Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress – winning four times – and was nominated for a record seven Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series. She has also appeared in films, including Canadian Bacon (1995), Matilda (1996), The Sessions (2012), and Poms (2019).

Career Overview

Rhea Perlman has 115 screen credits in a career dating back to 1954. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Sing with 1 titles. Signature works include Cheers, Matilda, Too Much. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For: Acting
Gender: female
Known Credits: 115
Birth Date: 1948-03-31 00:00:00
Birth Place: Coney Island, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 4 universes

Sing (1 titles)
Beethoven (1 titles)
Matilda Films (1 titles)
Darko Collection (1 titles)

Frequent Collaborators

Ted Danson (1 collaborations)
Kirstie Alley (1 collaborations)
George Wendt (1 collaborations)
John Ratzenberger (1 collaborations)
Woody Harrelson (1 collaborations)
Kelsey Grammer (1 collaborations)
Mara Wilson (1 collaborations)
Danny DeVito (1 collaborations)
Embeth Davidtz (1 collaborations)
Pam Ferris (1 collaborations)

Credits

actors (110 credits)
- Too Much
  Dottie
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - The Idea of Glue (2025) ... Dottie actor actors
  
  - Enough, Actually (2025) ... Dottie actor actors
  
  - One Wedding and a Sex Pest (2025) ... Dottie actor actors
  
  - Terms of Resentment (2025) ... Dottie actor actors
  
  - To Doubt a Boy (2025) ... Dottie actor actors
  
  2025
- The Studio
  
  - CinemaCon (1) (2025) ... Matt's Mom actor actors
  
  - The Golden Globes (2025) ... Matt's Mom (voice) actor actors
  
  2025
- Mid-Century Modern
  
  - Love Thy Neighbor (2025) ... Judy actor actors
  
  2025
- Barbie
  Ruth
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2023
- You People
  Bubby
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2023
- Poker Face
  
  - The End of the Road (2025) ... Beatrix Hasp actor actors
  
  - Day of the Iguana (2025) ... Beatrix Hasp actor actors
  
  - Whack-A-Mole (2025) ... Beatrix Hasp actor actors
  
  - Last Looks (2025) ... Beatrix Hasp actor actors
  
  - The Hook (2023) ... Beatrix Hasp (voice) actor actors
  
  2023
- Curses!
  
  - The Throne of Sargon (2024) ... Margie (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Lapis Scarabs (2024) ... Margie (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Didgeridoo (2024) ... Margie (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Goodluck Bridle (2024) ... Margie (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Rajasthani Puppet (2024) ... Margie (voice) actor actors
  
  2023
- Not Dead Yet
  
  - Not a Fairytale Yet (2023) ... Janice actor actors
  
  2023
- 13: The Musical
  Grandma Ruth
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2022
- Marvelous and the Black Hole
  Margot
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2022
- Funny Face
  Fernie
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2021
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch
  
  - Plan 99 (2) (2023) ... Cid (voice) actor actors
  
  - Pabu (2023) ... Cid (voice) actor actors
  
  - Metamorphosis (2023) ... Cid (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Crossing (2023) ... Cid (voice) actor actors
  
  - Faster (2023) ... Cid (voice) actor actors
  
  2021
- Mr. Bungle: The Night They Came Home
  Spooky Narration
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2020
- Saving Flora
  Gabriella
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2019
- Poms
  Alice
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2019
- Harley Quinn
  
  - Being Harley Quinn (2019) ... Golda (voice) actor actors
  
  2019
- The Matchmaker
  Irene
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2018
- Lemon
  Esther
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2017
- Sing
  Judith (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2016
- Must See TV: An All Star Tribute to James Burrows
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2016
- Shooter
  
  - Red Light (2018) ... Supreme Court Justice Gibson actor actors
  
  - Patron Saint (2018) ... Supreme Court Justice Gibson actor actors
  
  2016
- I'll See You in My Dreams
  Sally
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2015
- The Goldbergs
  
  - Food in a Geoffy (2019) ... Margot Letien actor actors
  
  2013
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
  
  - Coral Palms (1) (2016) ... Estelle actor actors
  
  2013
- Mom
  
  - Diabetic Lesbians and a Blushing Bride (2016) ... Anya actor actors
  
  2013
- Getting On
  
  - No, I Don't Want a F***ing Smiley Face (2015) ... Crystal Buff actor actors
  
  2013
- The Sessions
  Mikvah Lady
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2012
- The Mindy Project
  
  - It Had to Be You (2017) ... Annette Castellano actor actors
  
  - Danny in Real Life (2017) ... Annette Castellano actor actors
  
  - Doctors Without Boundaries (2017) ... Annette Castellano actor actors
  
  - Leo's Girlfriend (2017) ... Annette Castellano actor actors
  
  - Concord (2016) ... Annette Castellano actor actors
  
  2012
- Oliver's Ghost
  Eloise
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2011
- The Trouble with Bliss
  Maria (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2011
- Hot in Cleveland
  
  - Everything Goes Better With Vampires (2012) ... Jacki actor actors
  
  2010
- The Nightman Cometh: Live
  Gladys
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2009
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
  
  - Whoopi Goldberg; Rhea Perlman (2019) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  2009
- Hung
  
  - The Rita Flower or The Indelible Stench (2009) ... actor actors
  
  - Do it, Monkey (2009) ... actor actors
  
  2009
- The Christmas Choir
  Sister Agatha
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Beethoven's Big Break
  Patricia
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Love Comes Lately
  Reisel
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2007
- 10 Items or Less
  Mrs. D
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- My Movie About Making 'Matilda' by Mara Wilson
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- Matilda's Movie Magic: The Making of 'Matilda'
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
  
  - The Gang Gets Cursed (2023) ... Bertha Fussy actor actors
  
  2005
- American Dad!
  
  - Finger Lenting Good (2013) ... Old Stripper (voice) actor actors
  
  2005
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show
  
  - Randy Jackson/Rhea Perlman/Toby Keith (2006) ... Self actor actors
  
  2003
- NBC 75th Anniversary Special
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2002
- What's New, Scooby-Doo?
  
  - A Scooby-Doo Halloween (2003) ... Agnes (voice) actor actors
  
  2002
- How to Marry a Billionaire: A Christmas Tale
  Jacqueline Kennedy
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- Painful Secrets
  Dr. Parella
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- A Tale of Two Bunnies
  Thelma
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- H.E. Double Hockey Sticks
  Ms. Beelzebub
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- The Frasier Story
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  
  - Unorthodox (2008) ... Roxana Fox actor actors
  
  1999
- Houdini
  Esther
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- In the Doghouse
  Phil Markowitz
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Monty Python: Live at Aspen
  Audience Member (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Becker
  
  - Psycho Therapy (2001) ... Dr. Katherine Simmons actor actors
  
  1998
- The View
  
  - June 11, 2001 (2002) ... Self actor actors
  
  1997
- Carpool
  Martha
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Matilda
  Mrs. Wormwood
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Sunset Park
  Phyllis Saroka
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Canadian Bacon
  Deputy Honey
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1995
- The World of Jim Henson
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1994
- Sesame Street | All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever!
  Worm TV Host
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1994
- Spoils of War
  Emma
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1994
- The Critic
  
  - From Chunk to Hunk (1995) ... Ardeth (voice) actor actors
  
  - Sherman, Woman and Child (1995) ... Ardeth (voice) actor actors
  
  1994
- We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story
  Mother Bird (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1993
- A Place to Be Loved
  Jerry Blair
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1993
- Frasier
  
  - Cheerful Goodbyes (2002) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  1993
- To Grandmother's House We Go
  Shirley
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- There Goes the Neighborhood
  Lydia Nunn
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- Class Act
  Miss Simpson
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- Mad About You
  
  - Valentine's Day (1999) ... Mrs. Ramona DiChristophoro actor actors
  
  1992
- The Last Halloween
  Mrs. Gizborne
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- Ted & Venus
  Grace
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- Amazing Stories: The Movie II
  Lois
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration
  Carla Tortelli
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Enid Is Sleeping
  Mavis
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Sesame Street: Sing Yourself Silly!
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- The Earth Day Special
  Paula
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Blossom
  
  - Dad's Girlfriend (1991) ... The Godfather actor actors
  
  1990
- Two Daddies?
  Rose Johnson (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- The Simpsons
  
  - Fear of Flying (1994) ... Carla Tortelli (voice) actor actors
  
  1989
- Mickey's 60th Birthday
  Carla Tortelli
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- A Family Again
  Aunt Dee
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- Sesame Street: Put Down the Duckie
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- Stamp of a Killer
  Claudia
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- Funny, You Don't Look 200: A Constitutional Vaudeville
  Maisy - Constitutional Caterer
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- My Little Pony: The Movie
  Reeka (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1986
- Matlock
  
  - The Network (1987) ... Rhea Perlman actor actors
  
  1986
- Happily Ever After
  Rose Johnson (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1985
- The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1985
- Amazing Stories
  
  - The Wedding Ring (1986) ... Lois actor actors
  
  1985
- The Ratings Game
  Francine Kester
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- Love Child
  June Burns
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- Cheers
  Carla Tortelli
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - One for the Road (1993) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  - The Guy Can't Help It (1993) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  - Rebecca Gaines, Rebecca Loses (1993) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  - It's Lonely on the Top (1993) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  - Woody Gets an Election (1993) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  1982
- Drop-Out Father
  Tawney Shapiro
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- National Lampoon's Movie Madness
  Little Jewish Prostitute ("Municipalians")
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- St. Elsewhere
  
  - Cheers (1985) ... Carla Tortelli actor actors
  
  1982
- Swap Meet
  Mother
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- Like Normal People
  Jan
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- Taxi
  
  - Zena's Honeymoon (1982) ... Zena Sherman actor actors
  
  - Louie's Fling (1981) ... Zena Sherman actor actors
  
  - Louie's Rival (1980) ... Zena Sherman actor actors
  
  - Louie Meets the Folks (1979) ... Zena Sherman actor actors
  
  - Louie and the Nice Girl (1979) ... Zena Sherman actor actors
  
  1978
- Intimate Strangers
  Barbara
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1977
- Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night
  Judy
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1977
- I Want to Keep My Baby!
  Rae Finer
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1976
- Stalk the Wild Child
  Jean
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1976
- The Selling of Vince D'Angelo
  Vince's Wife
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1976
- Minestrone
  Tessy
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1975
- Saturday Night Live
  
  - Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman/Eddy Grant (1983) ... Self - Co-Host actor actors
  
  1975
- Hot Dogs for Gauguin
  Woman on Ferry
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1972
- The Wonderful World of Disney
  
  - Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration (1990) ... Carla Tortelli LeBec actor actors
  
  1954
- Golden Globe Awards
  
  - The 57th Golden Globe Awards (2000) ... Self - Audience Member actor actors
  
  - The 53rd Golden Globe Awards (1996) ... Self - Audience Member actor actors
  
  - The 45th Golden Globe Awards (1988) ... Self - Nominee actor actors
  
  - The 44th Golden Globe Awards (1987) ... Self - Nominee actor actors
  
  - The 39th Golden Globe Awards (1982) ... Self actor actors
  
  1944
production (2 credits)
- Bye Bye Benjamin
  
  executive producer
  
  production
  
  2006
- The Sound Sleeper
  
  production coordinator
  
  production
  
  1973
crew (1 credits)
- Matilda's Movie Magic: The Making of 'Matilda'
  
  thanks
  
  crew
  
  2005
writing (1 credits)
- Minestrone
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1975
directing (1 credits)
- The Sound Sleeper
  
  continuity
  
  directing
  
  1973

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q234058), public domain (CC0).