Comedic actor and radio host Jay Thomas has died at the age of 69.

Thomas is remembered as  the former-hockey-player husband of barmaid Carla on “Cheers,” but is probably best known for playing tabloid T-V show host Jerry Gold on “Murphy Brown,” a role for which he won two Emmys.

His films roles include “Mr. Holland’s Opus” and second and third “Santa Clause” films.

Thomas died after a battle with cancer.