Cistaro Cheers His Quiet Character

Any resemblance between Anthony Cistaro and Czechoslovakian President Vaclav Havel is purely intentional.

“Vanek is an autobiographical character,” says the actor, who portrays the shy playwright in a collection of three early Havel one-acts, “A Private View,” at Theatre igLoo in Hollywood.

“It’s been interesting working on such a quiet, calm, centered character,” says Cistaro, who majored in film production at Loyola Marymount and has studied acting with Stella Adler the past four years. “Especially since I’m used to playing much broader types.” His recurring role on “Cheers,” as the shamelessly arrogant Frenchman Henri Fourchette, would definitely qualify in that category.

“I lived in Paris for a year,” says the actor, who was raised in San Francisco, the eldest of six children. “Henri is the typical Parisian: a little vain, either insulting someone, borrowing money or insinuating himself into their good graces. But he does have a certain charm.” Although the character’s recent efforts to woo Woody’s girlfriend, Kelly, to the altar were thwarted, Cistaro promises, “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Henri.”