Kelsey Grammar is paying tribute to his former ‘Cheers’ co-star George Wendt. During his appearance on Gayle King’s SiriusXM show “Gayle King in the House,” the “Frasier” actor,70, mourned the loss of his friend Wendt. Wendt, who played Norm Peterson on the sitcom, died May 20 at age 76. In this article, get to know more about what Grammar has to say about the passing of his dear friend and former co-star.
“George Was a Lovely Guy”
Grammar said about his friend, “George was a lovely guy”, “it’s still old to speak of him in the past tense right now.” He further said “I spoke to his family yesterday, just told them how much I liked him and choked up a little bit. But George was hysterical. For 11 years, America waited for him to walk into a bar every Thursday night and say something funny, and they just knew he wouldn’t disappoint.”
Kelsey, who played the role of psychiatrist Frasier Crane “Cheers” and its spinoff “Frasier,” further added that on the show, Wendt would always “sit down at the stool, order a beer and say something that set the world on fire.” Grammar concluded that, “He was an extraordinary guy.”
The Actor Died Peacefully in His Sleep at Home
A representative for Wendt confirmed to USA TODAY that the actor died peacefully while sleeping at home. The representative said “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.”
Wendt’s Death Fell on the Anniversary of the “Cheers” Series Finale
The death of George Wendt fell on the anniversary of the “Cheers” Series finale, which aired May 20, 1993. Wendt would later repeat the role of Norm in an episode of “Frasier”. Many other members of the “Cheers” cast also paid their tributes to their fallen co-star.
John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin said in a statement to USA TODAY, Wendt “brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance- the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.” He also added that the actor “was a true craftsman — was humble, hilarious, and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with great comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved.”
Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman Also Paid Tribute to Wendt
Ted Danson who played the role of Sam Malone on “Cheers” also said that he was devastated to hear about this news. Rhea Perlam, another co-star who played Carla Tortelli said, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him.”
She further continued, “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 him up at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending that it didn’t hurt.”
Final Words
Ultimately, the sincere honours from Kelsey Grammer and fellow Cheers cast mates create a moving picture of George Wendt not only as a gifted actor but also as a dear friend and colleague. Grammer’s emotional memory emphasises Wendt’s ongoing influence both on and off screen; he is described as “an extraordinary guy” whose humour and warmth made him a cherished regular on American television. Wendt’s quiet death on the Cheers series finale gives his legacy a moving depth and leaves friends and fans both grieving the loss of a man remembered as much for his generosity as for his legendary depiction of Norm Peterson.
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