The comedy world remembers George Wendt, known for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, with heartfelt tributes and shared memories.
Tributes Pour In for Cheers Star George Wendt, Beloved as Norm
Tributes Pour In for Cheers Star George Wendt, Beloved as Norm
The Cheers cast mourns the loss of actor George Wendt, who passed away at 76.
Tributes have flooded in from the cast and fans of the iconic US sitcom Cheers following the passing of George Wendt, celebrated for his role as Norm Peterson. The actor, who died peacefully in his sleep at 76, left a lasting legacy after appearing in every episode of the series from 1982 to 1993.
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, "I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." Kelsey Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane, shared a reflective statement with Deadline, emphasizing the private nature of grief while acknowledging Wendt's impact: "But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions."
Wendt was acclaimed for his remarkable performance, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for his supporting role. His family confirmed the news, calling him "a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and confidant" who will be "missed forever."
Colleagues shared endearing remembrances, with Rhea Perlman describing him as "the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." John Ratzenberger lamented the loss of his friend, noting their shared experiences on stage filled with laughter.
Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, fondly recalled his warmth and professionalism, saying, "Heaven just got a little funnier."
Beyond Cheers, Wendt made appearances in films like Dreamscape and worked with Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson's Black or White music video. Having been married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, the couple shared three children, and Wendt was the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis.
His portrayal of Norm, a quintessential bar regular known for his humorous one-liners and beloved entrance into the Cheers bar, has become timeless. Cheers Boston, the real bar which inspired the show, shared a tribute on Instagram, stating, "George wasn't just an actor - he was a symbol of comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name." They also promised, "You'll always have a stool at our bar."
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, "I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." Kelsey Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane, shared a reflective statement with Deadline, emphasizing the private nature of grief while acknowledging Wendt's impact: "But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions."
Wendt was acclaimed for his remarkable performance, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations for his supporting role. His family confirmed the news, calling him "a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and confidant" who will be "missed forever."
Colleagues shared endearing remembrances, with Rhea Perlman describing him as "the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." John Ratzenberger lamented the loss of his friend, noting their shared experiences on stage filled with laughter.
Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, fondly recalled his warmth and professionalism, saying, "Heaven just got a little funnier."
Beyond Cheers, Wendt made appearances in films like Dreamscape and worked with Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson's Black or White music video. Having been married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, the couple shared three children, and Wendt was the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis.
His portrayal of Norm, a quintessential bar regular known for his humorous one-liners and beloved entrance into the Cheers bar, has become timeless. Cheers Boston, the real bar which inspired the show, shared a tribute on Instagram, stating, "George wasn't just an actor - he was a symbol of comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name." They also promised, "You'll always have a stool at our bar."
