Credit: NBC
Cheers Star Has Died
A beloved Cheers star has tragically died.
After hearing the saddening news of the actor’s passing, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute.
One person writes: “RIP! Such a great actor, and one of my favorite lines is ‘It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and I’m wearing milk bone underwear.’ Love that line.”
“Rest in peace,” another adds. “Thanks for the laughs. Definitely a person everyone should raise a glass to!!”
“RIP. Thanks for all the funny memories on Cheers,” a third says.
A fourth pens: “His legacy lives on through the countless laughs he brought us. May he rest in peace, and may his family find peace during this difficult time. Thank you for all the laughs.”
George Wendt, 76, was best known for playing Norm Peterson on the long-running TV sitcom Cheers, which aired for 11 seasons.
The actor started his career training in comedy at Chicago’s The Second City theater. Despite having success in the comedy world, he revealed that it wasn’t always plain sailing.
In a 2009 interview with The AV Club, Wendt said he was once fired from the theater, and another time he left: “I sucked, basically. ‘Sucked out loud,’ I think was the quote.
“For somebody who made his living at it for six years, I’m probably the worst improviser of all time.”
From there, Wendt had small roles in Hart to Hart, Soap, Taxi, and M*A*S*H. He also appeared in a number of films, including My Bodyguard, Jekyll and Hyde… Together Again, and Airplane II: The Sequel.
In 1982, he was cast in Cheers as Norm Peterson. The sitcom focused on a Boston bar where the regulars would share their life experiences with one another.
Wendt’s role was as a frequent visitor at the bar, he was one of only three characters in the show who starred in every episode.
The 76-year-old was a six-time Emmy nominee for his role on the sitcom.
Wendt also hosted Saturday Night Live and went on to appear in Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hot in Cleveland, Portlandia, and Fresh Off the Boat.
In a statement to People, the actor’s publicist, Melissa Nathan, confirmed the actor passed on May 20.
It read: “Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away.
“George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home.
“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 family has requested privacy during this time.”
Wendt’s cause of death remains unclear.
The actor is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.
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