George Wendt dead: Ted Danson leads celebrity tributes to Cheers co-star

Celebrities have been paying tribute to the late George Wendt following , including the late star's Cheers co-star . Ted, who played Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom, said in a statement that he was "devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us."

The Good Place actor told PEOPLE: "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."

Ted and George's co-star John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin added: "For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships," he says. "George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift."

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"He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart," he continues. "What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most."

Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with George on the later series of Sabrina The Teenage Witch, told her followers this evening: "Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. 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! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople (Sorry for the grainy photo)."

It comes after George, who was best known for his role as the loveable, beer-swilling Norm Peterson on iconic sitcom Cheer died aged 76. The actor died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday.

A representative told the Hollywood Reporter: 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.’

In previous years, George spoke candidly about the impact the NBC show had on his life He said in a past interview: “I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people’s lives."

The character of Norm would arrive at the bar in the sitcom yell 'Afternoon/evening everybody!' with the whole bar then shouting his name back at him. The character quickly became a fan favourite on the show.

In total, the hit series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning an impressive 28 times, including the prestigious gong for Outstanding Comedy Series four times. For his own part, George was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm.

He was one of the mainstays of the show, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. George made a surprise appearance on stage with his fellow Cheers cast members at the Emmy Awards in January 2024. Others to attend the surprise reunion included Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer.

Prior to Cheers, George had also had guest roles in popular shows including Taxi and M*A*S*H.

Following the huge success of Cheers, George starred in a self-titled CBS sitcom in 1995. However, the show was cancelled after just eight episodes.

He also appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo. George leaves behind his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers. They had three children together, a daughter and two sons.

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