George Wendt made his final public appearance in a podcast with former co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson about eight months before he passed away in August 2024 at the age of 76.
In the episode, Wendt shared recollections of how he secured the role of Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom “Cheers.”
“My agent called, saying, ‘You know, honey, they want you to do this,’ Cheers,” Wendt recalled. He noted he was tied up with another project, but ultimately decided to audition anyway, a decision that would change everything.
He originally auditioned for just one word in the pilot, but the casting team wanted to see more. After another try, he secured the iconic role of Norm.
“After I read it, they figured out a way for me to juggle both shows, but then the other one got cancelled,” he mentioned, reflecting on the series of events that led to his success.
“Cheers” ran on NBC from 1982 to 1993, featuring a cast that included Danson, Harrelson, and others like Shelley Long and Rhea Perlman. Wendt quickly became a favorite among fans, earning six Emmy nominations for his performances.
Just a couple of months before his podcast episode, Wendt participated in a comedy sketch alongside his nephew, Jason Sudeikis, at an event in Kansas City. He also attended the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024, where he enjoyed a “Cheers” reunion.
It was noted that during the pre-Emmy party, Wendt was seen using a cane, aided by Sudeikis.
His family confirmed that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep on a Tuesday morning. A family spokesperson described him as a devoted family man and a cherished friend, asking for privacy during this difficult time.
Danson expressed his heartbreak over Wendt’s passing, stating, “It’s going to take a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.” Perlman added that Wendt was “the sweetest and kindest man” she had ever known.
