George Wendt dies: ‘Cheers’ co-stars pay tribute to late actor

WASHINGTON — George Wendt’s “Cheers” co-stars and other celebrities are paying tribute to the actor following the news of his death. 

Wendt’s family confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the actor “died peacefully in his sleep.” He was 76 years old. 

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the family said in the statement. “He will be missed forever.” 

Despite several roles across his decades-long career, Wendt was most known for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on “Cheers.” The late actor played the gentle bar regular for the show’s 11 seasons. 

His “Cheers” co-stars paid tribute to the late actor in a series of statements. The cast of the beloved 1980s TV comedy made a recent public appearance at the Emmy Awards in 2024, where the actors reunited to present an award. 

“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him,” actress Rhea Perlman said in a statement to the Associated Press. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone on “Cheers,” paid tribute to Wendt in a statement shared with USA Today.

“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Danson told USA Today and The Hollywood Reporter. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt. For eleven years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” Ratzenberger said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets. “George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift,” 

“He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart,” he added. “What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved.”

“I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him,” Ratzenberger said.

“I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions,” Grammar, who played Dr. Frasier Crane, said in a brief statement shared with USA Today.

“Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes. I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set,” Hart said on Instagram. “He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople (Sorry for the grainy photo).”

“Was hard to hear of his passing… First met George Wendt on the set of Cheers… One of the warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come across… Welcoming as the star he was, incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras were rolling)… ,” Kramer, who guest starred on an episode of “Cheers,” said on Instagram. “Also the first one to make sure I had a beer in my hand at the end of the night… We shared a history of work with the Calgary Stampeders and exchanged many stories over the week… Cheers, indeed… Many thanks for the laughs and the education… RIP.”

“I was lucky enough to spend some quality time talking with George Wendt a year ago at @bigslickkc annual event benefiting Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He wasn’t feeling his best, but he still rose to the occasion and made thousands of people laugh a lot for a great cause,” Ross said. “He performed a hilarious “Da Bears” sketch with @jasonsudeikis @killatrav @patrickmahomes written by the wonderful @robertsmigiel 🍺Cheers George — and wherever you are I know everybody knows your name.”