Jason Sudeikis took a momentous pause to honor the memory of his late uncle, the iconic 'Cheers' star George Wendt, amidst the bustling activities of his annual Big Slick charity event in Kansas City. Wendt, who famously portrayed the beer-guzzling Norm Peterson across all eleven seasons of the beloved NBC sitcom, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home last month, aged 76.
At a press conference for the event, Sudeikis was approached about Wendt, and in accepting the reporter's condolences, he emotionally remarked, "We miss him terribly, and I hold him dear to my heart." He continued, "There's an old adage that goes, 'Don't meet your heroes,' presumably because they often disappoint. But George was the exception to that rule. He was as delightful, kind-hearted, and warm as any character he ever portrayed on screen. He was a towering influence in my life, both as a trailblazer from the Midwest who demonstrated that acting could indeed be a fulfilling career if pursued with passion."
Sudeikis fondly recalled, "He remained deeply connected to his family and roots, whether in his hometown of Chicago or here in Kansas City, where he frequently frequented a bar named Mike's—I joke that he probably racked up enough hours to earn a degree there! But all those hours were in preparation for the role that made him legendary, on 'Cheers.' Time well spent, indeed."
When Sudeikis' microphone started acting up, he quipped, "That's George messing with the sound board from beyond, reminding us of his typical Midwestern humility."
Wendt, a six-time Emmy nominee, was Sudeikis' mother Kathryn's brother. Both actors enjoyed storied careers, with Wendt expressing immense pride in his nephew during a 2024 appearance on the 'Still Here Hollywood' podcast. "Jason is such a wonderful person. I am incredibly proud of him," Wendt said. "Not just for his success, but for his solid character. He's intelligent, thoughtful, and all these qualities shine through in his work."
Similarly, Sudeikis has always spoken highly of his uncle. In a 2011 interview with 'Playboy,' via 'Huffington Post,' he praised Wendt's career, stating, "He was a prime example that acting could be a viable path. Here was someone from the Midwest, part of my family, who took an unconventional route and succeeded. His advice to me, said jokingly, was to 'land a role in one of the best sitcoms of all time and ride the wave.'"
Following Wendt's passing, numerous 'Cheers' co-stars paid heartfelt tributes to the late actor. Ted Danson shared with 'The Hollywood Reporter,' "I am devastated by the loss of Georgie. My heart goes out to Bernadette and the children. It will take me a long time to come to terms with this. I love you, Georgie."
John Ratzenberger, who portrayed Cliff Clavin alongside Wendt, stated, "I am heartbroken over the passing of my dear friend George. For eleven years on 'Cheers,' we shared the stage, countless laughs, and witnessed one of television's most cherished friendships unfold. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance that made it seem effortless. That was his gift."
Rhea Perlman, another 'Cheers' star, reflected on their time together, saying, "George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest soul I've ever met. It was impossible not to adore him. As Carla, I often stood beside him, Norm always occupying the same seat at the bar. It made it easy to playfully rough him up at least once a week. I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn't hurt. What an extraordinary person! I'll miss him beyond words."
