A Farewell to the Iconic Television Personality - Tragic demise of renowned TV figure revealed
Hangin' Up the Norm-mobile: George Wendt, Beloved "Cheers" Actor, Bids Farewell at 76
It's a tough pill to swallow, friends. The one and only George Wendt, the bloke who made every beer taste like a cold, refreshing hug as Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom "Cheers", breathed his last on May 20. He was 76 and, as confirmed by his kinfolk, succumbed to the cold, relentless grasp of heart failure. TMZ got their mitts on the deets from the LA County Department of Public Health's death certificate.
Calling Time on the Cheers Bar: The Sad Demise of George Wendt
Coronary heart disease and hypertension played a major hand in Wendt's last call. His cholesterol levels were sky high, and his kidneys weren't exactly in prime condition either. The certificate reveals that Wendt was cremated on May 28.
Brenda, his long-suffering missus, and their brood were by his side at the end. Wendt held the record for showing up in every episode of "Cheers", which ran for a whopping 11 seasons. He netted six consecutive Emmy nods for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1984 to 1989.
Besides "Cheers", Wendt lent his talent to other productions, including "The Tortellis" and "Frasier". He even had his very own show, "The George Wendt Show", which faded away after a handful of episodes in 1995.
A Blunt Execution: Mates React to Wendt's Departure
The news of Wendt's exit has sent shockwaves through the Hollywood community. His long-time comrade Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone on "Cheers", couldn't hide his grief. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Danson (77) whispered, "I'm ricocheting off the floor. I'm sending all my love to Bernadette and the kids. This is going to take some heavy-duty adjusting. I love ya, Georgie."
Another "Cheers" mainstay, John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff, offered his emotional farewell: "For eleven years on 'Cheers', we shared a stage, countless chuckles, and a front-row seat to one of television's most heartfelt friendships. George brought Norm to life with a quiet mastery - the kind that makes it seem effortless. That was his gift."
- Mourning
- TMZ
- Los Angeles
Sources:[1]: TMZ. (2025). George Wendt Dies at 76. [online] Available at: https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/20/george-wendt-dead-cheers-actor-dies-at-76-cause-of-death/[2]: People. (2025). George Wendt, 'Cheers' Star, Dies at 76. [online] Available at: https://people.com/tv/george-wendt-dead-cheers-star-dies-at-76/[3]: E! News. (2025). George Wendt, 'Cheers' Actor, Died From Heart Failure According to Death Certificate. [online] Available at: https://www.eonline.com/news/1312838/george-wendt-cheers-actor-died-from-heart-failure-according-to-death-certificate
Entertainment industry mourns the loss of 'Cheers' star George Wendt in Los Angeles, as confirmed by TMZ. The beloved actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson passed away at the age of 76, succumbing to heart failure.
