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Cheers actor George Wendt’s cause of death revealed after shock passing aged 76

BBG News

Two weeks following the surprising passing of actor George Wendt at age 76, the reason behind his demise has now been disclosed.

On May 20, the renowned actor passed away peacefully in his slumber. From 1982 to 1993, he starred as the cherished Norm Peterson on the highly successful NBC series, and he received six consecutive Emmy nominations for this iconic role.

According to the death certificate issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Wendt passed away due to a heart attack.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but share this intriguing piece of information: It’s reported that congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension were the underlying conditions mentioned in the documents unveiled by TMZ.

Additionally mentioned are some key factors such as advanced kidney disease (end-stage renal disease), kidney malfunction, and a condition called hyperlipidemia, which signifies elevated fat levels in the bloodstream.

According to a statement from the Wendts, George was an affectionate and dedicated family member, a cherished friend, and a trusted advisor for anyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.

‘He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.’

Six months ago, I was utterly shocked when the news broke about my beloved star’s sudden passing. It was eerily reminiscent of the bittersweet day, exactly 32 years prior, when the final episode of Cheers was aired. Just days earlier, I had even spotted him being wheeled out of a California dialysis clinic.

Following his unexpected passing, Ted Danson, aged 77, who portrayed bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, delivered an emotional tribute to his beloved friend, ‘Georgie.’

In a statement to People, Danson said he’s ‘devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.

Sending heaps of love to Bernadette and the kids! This change will take some getting used to, but I’m holding onto my affection for you, Georgie.

For eleven seasons, spanning from 1982 to 1993, Wendt’s renowned sitcom “Cheers” remained on the air. Interestingly, it was very close to being terminated after its debut season, as viewership numbers were disappointingly low.

Instead, for a more natural and easy-to-understand rephrasing, consider this: For eight out of the final ten seasons, it consistently ranked among the top 10 shows, eventually claiming the title as the highest-rated series during Season 9.

The series received 28 Emmys out of 117 nominations, consistently being nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series in all 11 seasons, and taking home 4 wins.

In every episode, Wendt, a relative of Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso’s actor), was remarkably present on screen, up until the show concluded its run in May 1993.

The jovial, carefree pub-dweller named Norm, who had various professions such as an accountant, painter, decorator, and coast guard, soon gained popularity among viewers due to his memorable bar entry.

At his arrival, Norm would exclaim a cheerful “Hello everyone for the afternoon/evening!” and the crowd in the bar would enthusiastically respond with calls of his name.

In an interview with Chicago Magazine in 2021, he stated: “Norm is essentially a more eloquent version of myself when it comes to writing. With hundreds, if not thousands, of talented actors who could have brought the exceptional scripts I received each Wednesday morning to life.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I’ve been fortunate to cultivate deep bonds with my fellow cast members on set – Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, and Woody Harrelson. We’ve shared more than just the screen; we’ve forged genuine friendships that have enriched both our personal and professional lives.

In simpler terms, Melissa Joan Hart, who used to act alongside Wendt in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, expressed that heaven has become more amusing following Wendt’s arrival.

He always radiated warmth, professionalism, and kindness, and our team felt truly blessed whenever he was around. Rest in peace! May the funny people rejoice in heaven. #HeavenGainsAnAngel

Born in Chicago, Wendt’s journey to acting began after he was dismissed from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana due to low grades. Subsequently, he entered the world of entertainment, with his initial role being cleaning the stage at a theater.

Following guest appearances on Taxi and M*A*S*H, he experienced his major breakthrough on Cheers. Two years later, when Cheers concluded, he initiated a self-titled sitcom on CBS; however, this series was terminated after airing just eight episodes.

Apart from his fame from the successful sitcom, this well-known performer has also graced the screens in series like Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Columbo, and Wings.

Additionally, he often featured in a regular skit on Saturday Night Live called “Bill Swerski’s Sports Fans,” a segment that paid tribute to passionate sports enthusiasts hailing from Chicago.

Beyond his fame from the successful sitcom, this well-known performer has also graced the screens of various other shows, including Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Columbo, and Wings.

Wendt, since 1978, has been wedded to Bernadette Birkett, a voice actress famously known as Vera from Cheers. Together, they share a daughter and two sons.

In recent times, Wendt has mostly stayed out of the limelight, making just a few minor public appearances. One such occurrence was participating as a contestant in The Masked Singer back in 2023.

In January 2024, during the Emmy Awards, he unexpectedly joined the Cheers cast on stage.

Wendt reunited with ex-cast members Danson, Grammer, Perlman, and Ratzenberger in a replica of the famous bar from our show.

Cast members Long and Harrelson did not attend the reunion. 

In an interview with Playboy back in 2011, Sudeikis shared that his uncle Wendt was the one who motivated him to pursue his own professional journey.

He acknowledged that he had always been quite supportive, yet our bond wasn’t like the one portrayed in “Tuesdays with Morrie.

He didn’t accompany me to the park with the intention of discussing comic timing. There wasn’t any such thing happening. Instead, he served as an inspiring illustration that pursuing acting could be a realistic career choice.

The actor commented: ‘This man hails from the heartland, is a relative of mine, and dared to choose the road less taken. To his credit, it paid off for him. The counsel he offered me, in a playful manner, was something like this: “Find your way onto one of the most celebrated sitcoms ever made, and then just let the success ride.”‘

Wendt motivated his nephew to try out for Saturday Night Live following a chance to watch his improvisation act.

In June 2024, Wendt publicly praised his nephew, who is the child of his sister Kathy, during an appearance on the podcast “Still Here Hollywood” hosted by Steve Kmetko.

He expressed: ‘He’s an exceptional child, and I feel quite proud. Not just about his success, but also because he’s reliable. Have you come across articles or profiles about him? Let me tell you, he’s a brilliant, considerate individual. You can really see that in the way he performs on the show.’

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2025-06-05 21:49

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