George Wendt Death: 'Prost' co-stars speak out

George Wendt, loved for his role as a Barfly Norm Peterson about the legendary NBC -sitcom Cheekdied at the age of 76. Wendt died at home, his family confirmed on Tuesday and called for tributs to be held out of his end Cheek Co-stars and Hollywood colleagues.

The Emmy-nominated actor played eleven seasons from 1982 to 1993 and delivered every time he entered the fictional Bostoner Bar: a choir of patrons that screamed: “Norm!”

“I am destroyed that Georgie is no longer with us,” said Ted Danson, who played the leading role alongside Wendt as bartender Sam Malone. “It will take a long time for me to get used to it. I love you, Georgie.”

Rhea Perlman, who player Carla Tortelli played, remembered Wendt as “the sweetest, friendliest man I have ever met”. She remembered how her characters' routine physical comedy connected her. “As Carla, I often stood next to him, since the standard always took the same place at the end of the bar … I will miss him more than words can say,” she said.

George Wendt's cause of death: what we know

Wendt's cause of death was not officially announced. His family said that he died peacefully in his sleep, at home early Tuesday morning and was described by relatives as “a dating family father, a popular friend and confidante of everyone who is lucky enough to know him”.

A television symbol and a fan favorite

Wendt received six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actors in a comedy series during his run Cheek. The show itself won 28 Emmys and became one of the most celebrated series in television history.

“George's representation of Norm Peterson made millions to laugh and feel,” said, “said,” said, “said,” Deadline. “The comfort of his presence at the end of the bar was a cornerstone of what made a staple in American houses for over a decade”.

His nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis, had often recognized Wendt's influence on his own comedic career.

Who is George Wendt's wife?

Wendt is survived by his wife, the actress Bernadette Birkett. The couple met in Chicago in the Second City, the famous comedy troop, and married 1978. Birkett himself was the voice of norm, but was often referred to Ms. Vera. The couple had three children together: Hilary, Joe and Daniel.

Reunits and inheritance

Wendt reunited with his Cheek Co-stars, including Danson, Perlman, Kelsey Grammer (Frasier Crane), and John Renzenberger (Cliff Clavin) during a special tribute segment at the Emmy Awards 2024. The line-up was based on a replica of the show set of the show and reflected on their binding and its permanent cultural effects.

“Being together brings some great memories of a show that we are all very proud of,” said Grammer at the event.

“He was really unique,” said Perlman. “What a guy.”