George Wendt celebrated “Cheers” in his final public appearance before his death.
During the episode, Wendt recalled how he landed the role of Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom.
“My agent called and said, ‘You know, honey, they want you to do this ‘Cheers,’” said Wendt.
Wendt also attended the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024 for an iconic “Cheers” reunion that featured Danson, Perlman, Kelsey Grammer and John Ratzenberger.
Perlman, for her part, told The Post: “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.
In his last public appearance prior to his passing, George Wendt celebrated “Cheers.”.
Nine months prior to his death at the age of 76, in August of last year, the actor made an appearance on his former co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson’s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”.
Wendt recalled how he got the part of Norm Peterson on the popular sitcom during the episode.
“You know, honey, they want you to do this ‘Cheers,'” Wendt said when her agent called.
“You’re not available right now,” I said, because I had another show [“Making the Grade”) at Paramount for CBS. “But they want you to come in anyway,” they say, adding that it’s a very small space. “Oh, all right,” I reply. ‘”.
When Wendt first tried out, he only had to say one word in the pilot. He eventually got the part of Norm after another audition, but the casting crew wanted more from him.
Wendt wrote, “After reading it, they decided to try to work it out so I could do both shows, and then the other show got canceled.”.
From 1982 to 1993, “Cheers” was broadcast on NBC.
Danson, 77, played Sam Malone; Harrelson, 63, played Woody Boyd; Shelley Long, Diane Chambers; Nicholas Colasanto, Coach Ernie Pantusso; Rhea Perlman, Carla Tortelli; and others were in the cast.
Because of his portrayal of Norm, Wendt gained popularity among fans and received six Emmy nominations for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Wendt took part in a comedy sketch with his real-life nephew, “Ted Lasso” actor Jason Sudeikis, at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, two months prior to his podcast appearance.
In January 2024, Wendt also went to the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, where she witnessed the legendary reunion of “Cheers,” which included John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Perlman, and Danson.
Wendt was spotted using a cane and receiving assistance from 49-year-old Sudeikis while walking at a pre-Emmy celebration.
Wendt passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on Tuesday morning, according to the Post.
The family’s representative told The Post in a statement that George was a loving family man who was a confidant and a beloved friend to everyone who had the good fortune to know him. “He will always be missed.”. The family has asked to remain anonymous during this period. “”.
Danson expressed his shock at Wendt’s passing in a statement to The Post.
It will take me a long time to adjust to this. “I cherish you, Georgie,” the “Good Place” star declared.
In an interview with The Post, Perlman said, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.”. There was no denying his likeability. “”.
