Tributes to George Wendt quickly poured in after his family confirmed that the “Cheers” star died Tuesday morning at the age of 76. Wendt, who played the wise-cracking and self-deprecating barfly Norm Peterson, was a favorite of the classic sitcom, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations on the show and appearing in all 273 episodes, including the very last scene of the show, which he shared with star Ted Danson.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Danson shared in a statement. “I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. 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,” said co-star John Ratzenberger in a statement. The actor played know-it-all postal worker Cliff Clavin through the series’ first nine seasons. “For 11 years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. 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. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved,” Ratzenberg continued. “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.”
“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,” said “Cheers” co-star Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla Tortelli in the series, in a statement. “It was impossible not to like him. 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.”
NBC Entertainment also shared a tribute to Wendt: “Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn’t wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night. George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of ‘Cheers’ and he will be missed by the millions who loved him. Norm was all of us. A regular guy who finished his hardworking day wanting to be surrounded by friends and a frosty beverage. We’re proud to raise a glass and toast a true comedy legend.”
Tributes came in from outside the “Cheers” family too, with “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star Melissa Joan Hart reflecting on Wendt’s guest appearances on the series on Instagram.
“Heaven just got a little funnier with George Wendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ 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 wrote. “He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace!”
From Variety US.