'Cheers' Star George Wendt Passes Away at 76
George Wendt, famed for his role in 'Cheers', cause of demise unveiled
On Fox News' "The Five," host Greg Gutfeld reflects on the life and legacy of the beloved actor George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the hit NBC sitcom "Cheers."
George Wendt's Heartbreakingly Tragic Demise
According to documents obtained by Digital, Wendt's cause of death was cardiac arrest, with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying factors. Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at the age of 76 [1][2].
*FAREWELL, NORM PETERSON*
George Wendt, the talented actor who charmed audiences as Norm Peterson on "Cheers," left us at the tender age of 76.
Wendt's family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their deep grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
*SIX EMMY NOMINATIONS FOR A ONE-WORD AUDITION*
For his remarkable portrayal of Norm Peterson, Wendt was recognized with six consecutive Emmy nominations across the 275 episodes of "Cheers" [5].
*CO-STARS REACT TO THE TRAGIC LOSS*
The "Cheers" family mourns the loss of their beloved colleague. Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, shared a poignant tribute, expressing his profound sadness and admiration for Wendt. Others, including Kelsey Grammer and Rhea Perlman, left touching messages of love and appreciation [3].
*REMINISCING ON MEMORABLE MOMENTS*
In his last interview before his passing, Wendt spoke candidly about landing his iconic role and reminisced about the camaraderie shared with his co-stars [5].
HIT SHOW, UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS
"Cheers," a groundbreaking sitcom set in a busy Boston bar, ran for 11 seasons and remains etched in the hearts of fans [6]. Throughout its run, the series saw the departure and arrival of various characters, including major roles played by Danson, Long, Perlman, and Ratzenberger. Later additions included Grammer, Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, and Bebe Neuwirth [6].
"Cheers" was an extraordinary television success, earning a staggering 28 Emmy Awards and garnering 179 nominations [6].
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
After "Cheers" drew to a close, Wendt ventured into other projects, with a brief stint in the television series "The George Wendt Show" [6]. Wendt also graced the silver screen in films like "Alice in Wonderland," "The Little Rascals," "Santa Buddies," and "Airplane II: The Sequel" [6].
This report was contributed by Stephanie Giang-Paunon of Digital.
[1] 'Cheers' Star George Wendt Dies at 76: Report (Entertainment Tonight)[2] George Wendt obituary (The Associated Press)[3] 'Cheers' Stars Mourn George Wendt’s Death (The Hollywood Reporter)[4] George Wendt: Cause of death revealed (DoctorOz)[5] George Wendt talks about iconic 'Cheers' audition and his enduring legacy (CBS Sunday Morning)[6] A Look Back at the Long-Running Sitcom 'Cheers' (IGN)
Despite his successful foray into other projects, George Wendt will be remembered most affectionately for his role as Norm Peterson on "Cheers." The show's premise, set in a Boston bar, brought together an array of entertaining and enduring characters, many of whom went on to become famous celebrities, including Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, and Rhea Perlman. Wendt's ventures into politics or the healthcare sector would have been equally fascinating, but his untimely death due to cardiac arrest reminds us that his life was tragically cut short at the age of 76.