Jim Shea / TV Guide / © NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection
‘Cheers’ Cast Members Pay Tribute After George Wendt’s Death: Ted Danson and More Speak Out
The Cheers cast is remembering costar George Wendt after his death on Tuesday, May 20. The actor, aged 76, portrayed Norm Peterson on the NBC sitcom from 1982 to 1993.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone on the series, told Entertainment Weekly in a statement after news of Wendt’s death was announced. “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.”
In a statement to People, Wendt’s publicist, Melissa Nathan, said that the TV star “died peacefully in his sleep while at home” on Tuesday.
“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,” the statement said.
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three kids, Hilary, Joe and Daniel.
John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on Cheers, also spoke out after Wendt’s death, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt,” he shared. “For 11 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 described his late costar as “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,” Ratzenberger, 78, added, sharing his condolences for Wendt’s family and “and everyone who loved him.”
Rhea Perlman, who starred as Carla Tortelli on Cheers, also spoke out to mourn her late costar.
“It was impossible not to like him,” Perlman, 77, said in a statement. “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.”
Eric Allan Kramer, who guest-starred as Rudy in a 1989 episode of Cheers, shared a tribute to Wendt 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…” he wrote. “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.”
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