Friends, co-stars, and fans remember Wendt’s warmth and comedic genius as they celebrate his legacy.
**Tributes Pour In for Cheers Star George Wendt, Beloved Norm Peterson**
**Tributes Pour In for Cheers Star George Wendt, Beloved Norm Peterson**
The comedy world mourns the passing of George Wendt, who played the iconic Norm on Cheers.
George Wendt, renowned for his role as Norm Peterson on the beloved television series Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow cast members and the entertainment community at large. Wendt’s performance as the barfly Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993, garnered him immense popularity and six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Ted Danson, known for his portrayal of bar owner Sam Malone, expressed his devastation at the loss, saying, "Georgie is no longer with us." Fellow Cheers star Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane, shared that he cherished Wendt, calling him "beloved by millions" in his heartfelt statement to Deadline.
Wendt's family reported that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson conveyed his dedication to his family and friends, noting, "George was a doting family man... He will be missed forever."
The character of Norm was an indelible part of Cheers' charm, with his iconic entrance prompting the bar's patrons to shout his name in unison. Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli, praised Wendt as "the sweetest, kindest man" and expressed how deeply he would be missed. John Ratzenberger, known as Cliff Clavin on the show, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his friend, recalling their shared laughter and stage moments.
Melissa Joan Hart, who had worked alongside Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, shared her fond memories on Instagram, calling him warm and professional. “Heaven just got a little funnier,” she added, underscoring the lasting impact of his comedic spirit.
In addition to his notable role on Cheers, Wendt's film credits include Dreamscape and Forever Young, and he even appeared in Michael Jackson's Black or White music video. He was married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and together they had three children. Notably, he was also the uncle of Jason Sudeikis, star of Ted Lasso.
Cheer's Boston, the establishment that inspired the show, honored Wendt on social media, emphasizing that he was more than just an actor; he represented "comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name." They assured fans of Wendt that he would always have a place at their bar, paying tribute to the legacy of laughter he left behind.
Ted Danson, known for his portrayal of bar owner Sam Malone, expressed his devastation at the loss, saying, "Georgie is no longer with us." Fellow Cheers star Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane, shared that he cherished Wendt, calling him "beloved by millions" in his heartfelt statement to Deadline.
Wendt's family reported that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson conveyed his dedication to his family and friends, noting, "George was a doting family man... He will be missed forever."
The character of Norm was an indelible part of Cheers' charm, with his iconic entrance prompting the bar's patrons to shout his name in unison. Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli, praised Wendt as "the sweetest, kindest man" and expressed how deeply he would be missed. John Ratzenberger, known as Cliff Clavin on the show, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his friend, recalling their shared laughter and stage moments.
Melissa Joan Hart, who had worked alongside Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, shared her fond memories on Instagram, calling him warm and professional. “Heaven just got a little funnier,” she added, underscoring the lasting impact of his comedic spirit.
In addition to his notable role on Cheers, Wendt's film credits include Dreamscape and Forever Young, and he even appeared in Michael Jackson's Black or White music video. He was married to fellow actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and together they had three children. Notably, he was also the uncle of Jason Sudeikis, star of Ted Lasso.
Cheer's Boston, the establishment that inspired the show, honored Wendt on social media, emphasizing that he was more than just an actor; he represented "comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name." They assured fans of Wendt that he would always have a place at their bar, paying tribute to the legacy of laughter he left behind.
