George Wendt, the American actor greatest identified for his function because the curmudgeonly Norm Peterson in “Cheers”, has died, a consultant confirmed.
Wendt, who was 76, was nominated for six successive Emmy awards for his function because the perennial barfly reverse Ted Danson in one in all tv’s most profitable ever sitcoms.
“George’s household confirmed the information of his demise early Tuesday morning, saying he died peacefully in his sleep whereas at dwelling,” the household’s consultant, Melissa Nathan, informed AFP.
“George was a doting household man, a well-loved good friend and confidant to all of these fortunate sufficient to have identified him.
“He can be missed ceaselessly.”
Wendt was additionally uncle to “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis.
‘Common’
The heavyset Norm was one of many regulars who sat on the bar in “Cheers”, swapping banter with postman Cliff (performed by John Ratzenberger) and psychiatrist Frasier Crane (performed by Kelsey Grammer), amongst others.
The three had beers served to them by head barman Danson and his youthful – and considerably dimmer – sidekick Woody, performed by Woody Harrelson.
Wendt’s character was famously greeted by a unanimous shout of “Norm!” from each patron within the bar each time he walked in, adopted every time by a witty one-liner in response to Danson or Harrelson’s “What’ll you could have?”
Fellow forged members paid tribute to Wendt after information of his demise broke, with Danson saying he was “devastated to listen to that Georgie is now not with us.”
“It’ll take me a very long time to get used to this. I like you, Georgie.”
Ratzenberger mentioned he was “heartbroken.”
“For 11 years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, lots of laughs and a front-row seat to one in all tv’s most beloved friendships.
“George introduced Norm to life with a delicate brilliance – the sort that made it look straightforward. That was his reward.”
Rhea Perlman, who performed hard-nosed waitress Carla mentioned Wendt had been the “sweetest, kindest man.”
“It was not possible to not like him.”
Did you ever watch ‘Cheers’ – or earlier than your time … ?
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse