Six-time Emmy-nominated star of CheersGeorge Wendt died Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 76. Fans may not have been aware that Wendt had a famous nephew — Ted Lasso Emmy-winner Jason Sudeikis.
Sudeikis had not spoken publicly about his uncle's passing until this weekend, when he went back to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri (Sudeikis grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, which is a Kansas City suburb) to act as host for the Big Slick fundraising events that raise money for Children's Mercy Hospital.
At a press conference for the event, a reporter asked Sudeikis about his uncle's passing, and Sudeikis grew serious for a moment to talk about his beloved uncle, saying that Wendt was as kind and fun as any character he ever played, including his best-known role of Norm Peterson on Cheers.
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"With regard to my Uncle George, you know, there's that old saying, 'Don't meet your heroes,' usually 'cause they let you down, is the back half of that statement, but he's not one of those people," said Sudeikis. "He's as fun and kind and as warm as any character he played on television or in films. He was an incredible influence to me, both as someone that blazed the trail, being from the Midwest and teaching me that acting was a career that you could actually have if you really care about it, and it's also a career where you can meet the love of your life like his wife, aka 'permanent girlfriend,' Bernadette."
Wendt was survived by his wife of 47 years Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel, plus stepsons Joshua and Andrew. He was also survived by Sudeikis' mom Kathy, who was Wendt's younger sister.
Sudeikis went on to say that his uncle always stayed so connected to his Midwestern roots.
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"He also always kept connected to his family, to his roots, both in Chicago, of course, where he's from, but then also the time he spent here going to Rockhurst College, into a bar called Mike's, a whole bunch where I think he logged maybe 18 credit hours. But it was all in preparation of a job that we all know him for on Cheers, all time well spent, so.
"But yeah, we miss him greatly. I love him dearly," said Sudeikis.
When Wendt died, his co-stars were quick to pay tribute to the funnyman, with Ted Danson saying in a statement, "I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. 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."
Rhea Perlman added, "George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. 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.”
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Wendt's barfly partner in crime John Ratzenberger said, "[I'm] heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt. 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. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.
"He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart. 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."
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