The cast of Cheers is paying tribute to costar George Wendt after the actor died on the same day as the anniversary of the show’s finale.
Wendt’s family confirmed to Us Weekly on Tuesday, May 20, that the actor died peacefully in his sleep while at home. 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 the family said. “He will be missed forever.”
Wendt’s death also corresponds with the 32nd anniversary of Cheers’ series finale airing on NBC. During the show’s 11-season run, Wendt was nominated for six Emmys and became a fan favorite as the lovable, beer-drinking every man named Norm, who frequented the Boston bar daily.
Wendt starred alongside Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, the late Kirstie Alley, Shelley Long and Bebe Neuwirth, leaving a lasting impression on his castmates and viewers alike.
Scroll down to see which of the Cheers stars have paid tribute to Wendt:
Ted Danson
Danson, who played Sam Malone, told Us on Tuesday that he is “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.” The actor added, “I am sending all my love to [his wife] Bernadette and the children.”
He confessed, “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
John Ratzenberger
Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin, told the outlet he was “heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt.”
He recalled working with Wendt for 11 years, sharing a stage “a lot of laughs and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships.” Ratzenberger gushed, “George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”
Ratzenberger continued: “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. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most.”
He concluded by sending love to Wendt’s family, saying his “thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.”
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Eric Allan Kramer
After guest starring on a 1989 episode of Cheers, Kramer still remembers how kind Wendt was on set. “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,” Kramer wrote via Instagram. “Welcoming as the star he was, incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras were rolling).”
He recalled Wendt being “the first one to make sure I had a beer in my hand at the end of the night.” Kramer continued, “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.”
Rhea Perlman
Perlman gushed about her friend in a statement shared to Us on Tuesday.
“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,” the actress wrote.
