George Wendt, the actor best known for starring in Cheers, died on Tuesday, May 20, at 76.
Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson in the NBC sitcom earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations. Following news of his death, his former Cheers co-stars paid tribute to the late actor with heartfelt messages.
Ted Danson said in a statement he was “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” adding that it was “going to take me a long time to get used to this.”
Rhea Perlman called Wendt “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,” and said she would “miss him more than words can say.”
John Ratzenberger said he was “heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend,” recalling that they “shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” on the set of Cheers.
RELATED: George Wendt Dies: Actor Who Played Norm on ‘Cheers’ Was 76
Cheers co-star Kelsey Grammer said in a statement, “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”
Eric Allan Kramer, who guest-starred on Cheers, remembers Wendt on the set saying he was “one of the warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come across.” Kramer noted that Wendt was “welcoming as the star he was” and “incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal and when the cameras were rolling.”
Throughout his career, Wendt also worked with many other actors who are also remembering him and their time together.
Read all the reactions to George Wendt below.
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Rhea Perlman
Image Credit: Paramount TV / Courtesy Everett Collection Rhea Perlman: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. 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.”
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Ted Danson
Image Credit: Al Levine / NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection Ted Danson: “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. 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.”
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John Ratzenberger
Image Credit: NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection John Ratzenberger: “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. 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. 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.”
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Kelsey Grammer
Image Credit: Paramount Television / Courtesy Everett Collection Kelsey Grammer: “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”
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NBC
Image Credit: NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection NBC, the home of Cheers for 11 seasons, also remembered Wendt with a statement on social media.
“Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn’t wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night,” read the statement from the network. “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.”
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Eric Allan Kramer
Eric Allan Kramer: “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)… 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.”
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Melissa Joan Hart
Melissa Joan Hart remembered Wendt sharing a photo with him on the set of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
“Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt,” Hart posted on Instagram. “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 that Wendt “was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time.”
“Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople,” she added before apologizing “for the grainy photo” she shared on the digital platform.
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Jeffrey Ross
Jeffrey Ross: “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. 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.”