Co-Stars and Colleagues Remember George Wendt’s Legacy
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of George Wendt, the six-time Emmy-nominated actor who died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home early Tuesday. Best known for portraying beer-loving barfly Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” Wendt was 76 years old.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever,” his family said in a statement released by his publicist Melissa Nathan, according to NPR.
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Heartfelt Tributes from “Cheers” Family
Former “Cheers” co-stars have shared touching remembrances of their time with Wendt, who appeared in all 273 episodes of the beloved sitcom during its 11-season run from 1982 to 1993. Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla Tortelli, remembered Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.”
“It was impossible not to like him,” Perlman said. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say,” according to Deadline.
A Character Inseparable from the Actor
Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson became so iconic that the line between character and actor often blurred. “I have a hard time talking about Norm. It’s like he’s too close to me,” Wendt once said. “I think he’s the toughest to write for because he’s not really anything. He’s just funny.”
John Ratzenberger, who played mailman and fellow barfly Cliff Clavin on “Cheers,” described himself as “heartbroken” at the news of Wendt’s passing. “For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” Ratzenberger said. “George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy.”
Comedy Community Mourns a Legend
Beyond his “Cheers” family, tributes have poured in from across the comedy world. The Second City, the Chicago improvisational comedy troupe where Wendt got his start in the 1970s, honored him on social media: “We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our alum, George Wendt. His incredible talent, kindness, and humor will be deeply missed.”
The National Comedy Center also released a statement through Executive Director Journey Gunderson: “From his early days with The Second City to his iconic role as Norm on Cheers, George Wendt’s work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family. His work is proudly featured in the National Comedy Center, and we honor his legacy and the joy he brought to generations of fans.”
Final Appearances and Continuing Legacy
Wendt’s final public appearance came earlier this year when he reunited with “Cheers” co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson at a charity event. His final television role was in the 2024 TV movie “Love’s Second Act,” starring Jodie Sweetin.
In a poignant coincidence, Wendt passed away exactly 32 years after the “Cheers” finale aired on May 20, 1993. That episode drew an estimated 80.4 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television finales in history. Speaking about the show’s lasting impact in a 2024 interview at Motor City Comic Con, Wendt said simply, “It was a great job. Oh my God, what a great job.”
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