Hollywood and many of George Wendt’s former co-stars are paying tribute to the actor after news of his death was announced Tuesday.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home, his family confirmed Tuesday morning. He was 76.
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” a rep for Wendt said in a statement. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Wendt had an incredible career as an actor, beloved for his starring role as Norm Peterson in all 11 seasons of the NBC sitcom Cheers. During his time playing Norm, he earned Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for six consecutive years, with the character notably also making cameos on St. Elsewhere, Wings, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Frasier and The Tortellis.
Wendt’s credits on the silver screen included Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plains Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Ted Danson, one of his Cheers‘ co-stars, said, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
John Ratzenberger, who also acted alongside Wendt in Cheers as Cliff Clavin, said in a statement to THR, “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt. 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. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”
“He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved,” Ratzenberger added. “I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.”
Also in a statement to THR, Kelsey Grammer said, “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”
Cheers star Rhea Perlman reflected on their time on the series together in a statement to THR: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. 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.”
Melissa Joan Hart, whom Wendt acted alongside in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, wrote on Instagram: “Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes. I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”
Actor Eric Allan Kramer, who made a guest-star appearance on an episode of Cheers, said on Instagram, “Was hard to hear of his passing… First met George Wendt on the set of Cheers… One of the warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come across… Welcoming as the star he was, incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras were rolling)… Also the first one to make sure I had a beer in my hand at the end of the night… We shared a history of work with the Calgary Stampeders and exchanged many stories over the week… Cheers, indeed… Many thanks for the laughs and the education… RIP.
Bill Simmons wrote on X: “RIP George Wendt. Enjoyed him in literally everything, but what he created with Norm Peterson stands the test of time. Just a crucial piece of one of the best 30-min shows ever. The last Cheers scene ever was Norm with Sam… and it kinda had to be.”
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, said in a statement to THR: “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. Over the course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of television’s most beloved roles. His work is proudly featured in the National Comedy Center, and we honor his legacy and the joy he brought to generations of fans.”
Below, read more tributes to Wendt.
