The role of Helen Trionkis was meant to for the Greek-American actress Peri Gilpin. She was already a favorite of the creators and even starred in “Frasier” as the Frasier’s psychiatrist as well as “Make it or Break it.”
Creator David Lee shared in 2010 “Our first choice was Peri Gilpin. [NBC President Brandon] Tartikoff thought she wasn’t ready to head a series yet.” Turns out Crystal Bernard was!
You Can Really Fly a Sandpiper's Plane
Talk about a never-ending career. This plane might eventually out-live the cast members. That's right, the Sandpiper plane that appears in the series opening and closing credits is a fully working plane that is still part of Cape Air's fleet.
And what's the airline slogan? “We’re Your Wings.” It looks like this plane will forever be tied in with the show.
Helen Chapel Wasn't Going To Be Helen Chapel
A lot of debate surrounded the character of Helen. Was she going to be a mysterious dark beauty or a cheeky little southern bell? Creators could not decide what form she would take and even had some trouble picking out a name.
In fact, she was initially going to be called Helen Trionkis. It's hard to imagine Crystal Bernard playing a Helen Trionkis, which is why it actually wasn't meant for her in the first place.
Lowell Was Written For Thomas Haden Church
Interestingly enough, the character Lowell was created with Thomas Haden Church already in mind. When the creators saw his one-time appearance in "Cheers" as Gordie Brown they were sold on his idiot savant persona.
Unfortunately, Church left in 1995 because he didn't want the typecast curse. Guess he made a good move since now he's a highly sought-after Hollywood star.
The Airport version of Cheers
If you watched Cheers back in the 80s and early 90s, you'll remember how successful their run was. The show told the story about a bunch of troubled folks who took refuge from the outside world in their local bar.
When "Wings" was first conceptualized, it was compared to the "Cheers," except set in an airport. While it certainly wasn't a spin-off, it did still have strong ties to "Cheers", and "Frasier." In fact, Rebecca Howe, Lilith Crane, and Frasier all made appearances throughout the years.