George Wendt was a well-known name, particularly celebrated for his role in “Cheers,” but it had been quite some time since he was seen in public before his passing.
He died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, as confirmed in a statement from his family.
“George was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to many, and those who were fortunate to know him,” the family representative shared. “His absence will be profoundly felt. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Wendt is best recognized for playing Norm Peterson in “Cheers,” alongside stars like Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Kelsey Grammer, all from the beloved sitcom.
His last appearance was at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 1, 2024, where he engaged in sketches that combined comedy and fundraising.
There, he performed alongside his nephew, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, and other notable figures like Robert Smigel, as well as NFL luminaries Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Interestingly, Sudeikis’ mother is Wendt’s sister, adding a personal connection to the event.
Wendt and Smigel brought back their comedic characters from the 1997 “Superfan” skit, marking a memorable reunion since Chris Farley’s passing. During the performance, they humorously commented on the relationship between a Kansas City Chiefs player and Taylor Swift.
One line from Sudeikis, about getting serious regarding Swift, even gained viral attention.
Wendt was also part of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024, where he reunited with some of his former “Cheers” castmates, which was a heartfelt moment following his death.
The reunion emulated the iconic Boston bar from the show, celebrating the best of the series over its 11-season run, which earned 28 Emmy awards.
While on stage, Wendt utilized a cane for support, with Sudeikis assisting him.
Wendt became a beloved figure in television and received six Emmy nominations for his role as Norm. He also made appearances in various shows, even landing his own sitcom briefly, “The George Wendt Show,” which was canceled after a month.
Over the years, he contributed to multiple beloved series, including “The Simpsons” and “Seinfeld,” and worked in recurring roles on “The Naked Truth” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”
Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Burkett, along with their children, Hillary, Joe, and Daniel, and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.
