Kelsey Grammer has led the tributes to George Wendt following the actor's death at the age of 76.
Wendt, best known for his role as the lovable barfly Norm Peterson on Cheers, passed away on Tuesday, with his former co-stars and friends expressing their grief over the loss.
Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane on Cheers before becoming a sitcom star in his own right with Frasier, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “I believe mourning is a private matter.
“But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions,” he told Dailymail.com.
Ted Danson, who starred as bartender Sam Malone alongside Wendt, also expressed his sorrow.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Danson told People, offering "all my love" to Wendt’s wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children.
“It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
Jon Cryer, who worked with Wendt on the 1984 film No Small Affair, remembered him as “an absolute prince.”
He recalled meeting “George on one of my first movies and every day we shot together I kind of couldn’t believe it. That I was working with one of my favorite actors in television and he was just such an absolute prince.”
Cryer touchingly added that Wendt “will be missed by many millions who, just like me, felt like Norm was a member of the family.”
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred with Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, also paid tribute, calling his presence on set a "gift" and describing him as “warm, professional, and kind.”
“Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes,” she wrote.
“I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”
Wendt’s death was confirmed by his publicist on Tuesday. A statement from his family read: “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.”
The iconic sitcom, which ran from 1982 to 1993, remains a beloved classic, with Wendt’s portrayal of barfly Norm Peterson resonating with fans.
Wendt, who is also the uncle of Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis, impressively appeared in every episode until it went off air in May 1993.
Originally from Chicago, Wendt had a modest start before finding fame in show business. After being expelled from the University of Notre Dame due to poor grades, he moved to the entertainment industry, initially working as a theatre floor sweeper.
His early career included guest appearances on Taxi and MASH*, but it was his role in Cheers that marked his big breakthrough. Two years after the series ended, Wendt starred in a self-titled sitcom on CBS, which was unfortunately canceled after just eight episodes.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt made notable appearances in a variety of other shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, and Wings. He also gained attention for his recurring role on Saturday Night Live's ‘Bill Swerski's Superfans’ sketch, a comedic tribute to Chicago’s passionate sports fans.
Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced the character of Vera on Cheers, since 1978. Together, they had one daughter and two sons.
In recent years, Wendt largely stayed out of the public eye, making only occasional appearances, including a stint as a contestant on The Masked Singer in 2023.
His last major public moment came in January 2024, when he reunited with the Cheers cast at the Emmy Awards for a surprise on-stage appearance.
