The Cheers family is mourning the loss of one of their own. George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson on the show from 1982 to 1993, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 76. The news of his passing has left his cast members grieving.
To them, George was a kind friend, and someone who made their time on set an unforgettable one. Their words show just how close they were, not just as coworkers, but as friends both on and off camera.
Who George Wendt was, beyond the ‘Cheers’ set
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, said he was heartbroken. “It’s going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie,” he said. John Ratzenberger, who also acted alongside George for over a decade, said he was lucky to share laughs and long workdays with someone so naturally funny and down-to-earth.
John described George as someone who made everything easy, not because the work was simple, but because of how grounded and generous he was. What people saw on screen was who he was in real life. He showed up, knew what he was doing, and made everyone else feel comfortable.
George Wendt was a kind soul with a great sense of humor
Rhea Perlman, who played Carla, remembered their scenes together with a smile. “It was impossible not to like him,” she said. “I’ll miss him more than words can say.” The way they joked around on screen wasn’t all acting. Even off camera, they had a kind of bond that she truly enjoyed.
Even actors like Eric Allan Kramer, who only spent a short time with George, spoke warmly of him. He recalled how George welcomed him and made sure he had a drink in hand by the end of the day. That small act said a lot about the kind of person he was. He was easygoing, thoughtful, and fun to be around. George is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.