Hollywood and lots of of George Wendt’s former co-stars are paying tribute to the actor after information of his demise was introduced Tuesday.
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at residence, his household confirmed Tuesday morning. He was 76.
“George was a doting household man, a well-loved buddy and confidant to all of these fortunate sufficient to have recognized him,” a rep for Wendt mentioned in a press release. “He will likely be missed eternally. The household has requested privateness throughout this time.”
Wendt had an unimaginable profession as an actor, beloved for his starring function as Norm Peterson in all 11 seasons of the NBC sitcom Cheers. Throughout his time taking part in Norm, he earned Emmy nominations for excellent supporting actor in a comedy collection for six consecutive years, with the character notably additionally making cameos on St. Elsewhere, Wings, The Simpsons, Household Man, Frasier and The Tortellis.
Wendt’s credit on the silver display included Dreamscape (1984), Home (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plains Garments (1987), By no means Say Die (1988), Responsible by Suspicion (1991), Endlessly Younger (1992) and Spice World (1997).
In a press release to The Hollywood Reporter, Ted Danson, certainly one of his Cheers‘ co-stars, mentioned, “I’m devastated to listen to that Georgie is not with us. I’m sending all my like to Bernadette and the kids. It will take me a very long time to get used to this. I like you, Georgie.”
John Ratzenberger, who additionally acted alongside Wendt in Cheers as Cliff Clavin, mentioned in a press release to THR, “I’m heartbroken to listen to concerning the passing of my buddy George Wendt. For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a variety of laughs and a front-row seat to certainly one of tv’s most beloved friendships. George introduced Norm to life with a delicate brilliance — the sort that made it look straightforward. That was his reward.”
“He was a real craftsman — humble, hilarious, and filled with coronary heart. What you noticed on display was precisely who he was off display with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to these he liked,” Ratzenberger added. “I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant probably the most. My ideas are together with his spouse Bernadette, their kids, and everybody who liked him.”
Additionally in a press release to THR, Kelsey Grammer mentioned, “I consider mourning is a personal matter. However I preferred George rather a lot. He was beloved by thousands and thousands.”
Cheers star Rhea Perlman mirrored on their time on the collection collectively in a press release to THR: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was not possible to not like him. As Carla, I used to be typically standing subsequent to him, as Norm at all times took the identical seat on the finish of the bar, which made it straightforward to seize him and beat the crap out of him not less than as soon as every week. I liked doing it and he liked pretending it didn’t harm. What a man! I’ll miss him greater than phrases can say.”
Melissa Joan Hart, whom Wendt acted alongside in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, wrote on Instagram: “Heaven simply received a bit funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes. I used to be a giant #Cheers fan and knew I used to be amongst top-of-the-line when he was on set. He was heat, skilled and type and our forged and crew had been gifted together with his presence each time. Relaxation in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”
Actor Eric Allan Kramer, who made a guest-star look on an episode of Cheers, mentioned on Instagram, “Was onerous to listen to of his passing… First met George Wendt on the set of Cheers… One of many warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come throughout… Welcoming because the star he was, extremely giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras had been rolling)… Additionally the primary one to verify I had a beer in my hand on the finish of the evening… We shared a historical past of labor with the Calgary Stampeders and exchanged many tales over the week… Cheers, certainly… Many thanks for the laughs and the schooling… RIP.
Invoice Simmons wrote on X: “RIP George Wendt. Loved him in actually every little thing, however what he created with Norm Peterson stands the check of time. Only a essential piece of top-of-the-line 30-min reveals ever. The final Cheers scene ever was Norm with Sam… and it kinda needed to be.”
Journey Gunderson, government director of the Nationwide Comedy Middle, mentioned in a press release to THR: “From his early days with The Second Metropolis to his iconic function as Norm on Cheers, George Wendt’s work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that really feel like household. Over the course of 11 seasons, he introduced heat and humor to certainly one of tv’s most beloved roles. His work is proudly featured within the Nationwide Comedy Middle, and we honor his legacy and the enjoyment he dropped at generations of followers.”
Under, learn extra tributes to Wendt.