Co-Stars React To Death Of Beloved Actor

STUDIO CITY, CA — As the entertainment community continues to mourn George Wendt, the beloved Emmy-nominated "Cheers" actor who died this week at 76, a number of his former co-stars and fans of his work are paying tribute to the television comedy legend.

Wendt died Tuesday at his home in Studio City. In a statement, his family described him as "a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him."

Wendt is survived by his wife, Second City alum Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm's never-seen not-so better half, Vera, on "Cheers." The Chicago-born actor is also the uncle of former "Saturday Night Live" cast member and "Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis.

While Wendt's impact on television history cannot be overstated, the actor also impacted the lives of his co-stars, family and friends in a number of ways.

"Norm Was All Of Us"

NBC Entertainment, the network on which the classic 1980s sitcom "Cheers" aired, posted a loving tribute to Wendt on X that noted he was an essential part of the show's huge success.

"Watching him walk through that door and head to his barstool, America couldn't wait to say hi to Norm every Thursday night," NBC's tribute reads. "George Wendt was an essential part of the genius of 'Cheers' and he will be missed by the millions who loved him. Norm was all of us. A regular guy who finished his hardworking day wanting to be surrounded by friends and a frosty beverage. We're proud to raise a glass and toast a true comedy legend."

See also: Beloved 'Cheers' Actor Dead At 76

Ted Danson, the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor who starred on "Cheers" as bartender Sam Malone, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter he was devastated to hear of Wendt's death.

"I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie," Danson's statement reads.

Rhea Perlman, well-known for her role as head waitress Carla Tortelli on "Cheers," referred to Wendt in a statement to Variety as the sweetest and kindest man she had ever met and noted it was impossible not to like him.

"As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say," Perlman's statement reads.

Actress Melissa Joan Hart, star of the ABC sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," posted a tribute to Wendt, who appeared in several episodes of the show, on her Instagram.

"Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt," the post reads. "It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes. I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace!"

Actress and director Ashley Williams, famous for roles on the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" and TV Land's "The Jim Gaffigan Show," also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Wendt.

"The relentlessly patient, kind, steady and jovial George Wendt. What a legend. He played my dad in a pilot a million years ago," Williams wrote on Instagram. "Having grown up shouting 'NORM' every time he walked into the bar on 'Cheers' I was startled when in person he had that same reliable kindness he embodied on the show— ya never know who people really are when you meet them. He will be greatly missed but I know frequently referenced...his name is ubiquitous with his beautiful attributes."

In a lengthy statement shared with ABC News, "Cheers" actor John Ratzenberger referred to Wendt as his friend and described him as "a true craftsman" who was both humble and hilarious, as well as full of heart.

"What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen," Ratzenberger's statement reads, "with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved."

A Comedy Legend

Wendt starred in all 11 seasons of "Cheers," which aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993. The finale aired exactly 32 years prior to the date of his death on May 20, 1993.

Aside from "Cheers," Wendt appeared on a number of popular sitcoms in some capacity, including "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "The Naked Truth," "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons."

He also starred in 1995's "The George Wendt Show," which ran for eight episodes on CBS, and famously appeared as a Chicago Bears superfan in a number of "Saturday Night Live" sketches, according to his Internet Movie Database page.

Wendt also appeared in many films throughout his career, mostly comedies, including "Fletch," "Airplane II: The Sequel," "Man of the House" and "Forever Young."

Wendt joins a list of notable actors and entertainers who have passed away this year and are mourned by all who knew and loved their work, including "Top Gun" actor Val Kilmer and Hollywood legend Gene Hackman among others.