George Wendt, renowned for his role in Cheers, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 76.
Wendt’s character Norm Peterson on the NBC series brought him six Primetime Emmy nominations in a row. His passing led to an outpouring of moving tributes from his past Cheers colleagues.
Ted Danson expressed his grief, stating, “I am devastated to learn that Georgie has left us,” and confessed, “It’s going to take a long time for me to accept this.”
Rhea Perlman remembered Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever known,” and emotionally noted, “I will miss him more than I can express.”
John Ratzenberger shared his sorrow over the loss of his friend, reminiscing about their shared experiences and laughter on the Cheers set, which showcased one of TV’s most cherished friendships.
George Wendt Passes Away at 76: Beloved ‘Cheers’ Actor Remembered
Kelsey Grammer commented on his passing, stating, “Grieving is personal. But I genuinely liked George. He was loved by countless.”
Guest star on Cheers, Eric Allan Kramer, recalled Wendt as “one of the warmest, funniest individuals I’ve encountered,” praising his generosity and welcoming nature on set.
Wendt also collaborated with numerous other actors throughout his career, many of whom cherish fond memories of their time together.
Discover all the heartfelt reactions to George Wendt’s passing below.
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Rhea Perlman
Rhea Perlman: “George Wendt was the kindest, sweetest man I ever knew. Impossible not to adore him. As Carla, I often stood by him, as Norm always occupied the same bar seat, making it easy to grab him and playfully rough him up once a week. I loved it, and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a man! I’ll miss him more than words can convey.”
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Ted Danson
Ted Danson: “Hearing that Georgie is gone devastates me. Sending all my love to Bernadette and their children. It’s going to take a long time to adjust. I love you, Georgie.”
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John Ratzenberger
John Ratzenberger: “Heartbroken to learn of my friend George Wendt’s passing. For over a decade on Cheers, we shared a stage, countless laughs, and a front-row seat to an iconic TV friendship. George’s portrayal of Norm was masterfully subtle, a testament to his quiet brilliance. He was a true artist—funny, humble, and generous. What he showed on screen was a reflection of his genuine self, always with perfect comic timing and deep loyalty to those he cherished. I’ll miss our talks and the precious moments of friendship that meant so much. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and all who loved him.”
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Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer: “Grieving should remain a private affair. However, I deeply admired George. He was cherished by millions.”
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Eric Allan Kramer
Eric Allan Kramer: “Learning of his passing was tough… First met George Wendt on the Cheers set… One of the kindest, funniest people I’ve met… He was as welcoming as his celebrity status allowed, incredibly generous as an actor during rehearsals (and when cameras were rolling)… Always made sure I had a drink at the end of the night… We shared many stories about our experiences with the Calgary Stampeders throughout the week… Cheers, indeed… Thank you for the laughs and the lessons… Rest in peace.”
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