Kelsey Grammer is remembering his late Cheers co-star George Wendt with heartfelt words that show just how much the actor meant to those who knew him.
After news broke that George Wendt passed away at the age of 76, Kelsey Grammer was one of the first to honor him publicly. The Frasier star admitted in a statement to DailyMail.com, “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.” That simple, raw emotion says a lot coming from a man who worked alongside Wendt during Cheers’ legendary run.
Grammer played Dr. Frasier Crane in the hit NBC sitcom, a role so iconic it spun off into its own massive success story with Frasier, which originally aired from 1993 to 2004 and returned with a new season in 2023. But back in the original Cheers days, it was George Wendt’s Norm Peterson who brought a familiar face, and the beloved barstool, to every single episode. Wendt was the heart of the bar, earning six straight Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the lovable Norm. Every viewer knew his name, and every episode started with fans cheering it.
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, was devastated by the news. He 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.” That personal touch makes it clear just how close the cast remained, even decades after Cheers ended in 1993.
Rhea Perlman, known for playing the fiery waitress Carla Tortelli, shared a tribute that mixed deep affection with the kind of humor that would’ve made Wendt proud. “It was impossible not to like him,” she said. “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.”
Wendt’s publicist confirmed the actor passed away on May 20, 2025, calling him “a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and a confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.” His death hits especially hard because Wendt had such a down-to-earth personality off-screen too. He once said, “I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people’s lives.” That humility is part of what made fans and co-stars love him so much.
Through 11 seasons, George Wendt appeared in every single episode of Cheers, anchoring the show in the kind of familiarity and warmth that made it such a classic. Whether Norm was cracking a one-liner, dodging Carla’s fury, or just ordering “a beer, Norm?” he brought comfort and joy to millions.
Kelsey Grammer’s tribute to George Wendt reflects a sentiment shared by many who worked with him and millions who watched him. Saying goodbye to Norm is like saying goodbye to a friend who was always there at the bar after a long day. His memory will live on in reruns, in Emmy reels, and in the hearts of fans who still yell “Norm!” every time they walk into a pub.
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