‘Cheers' star George Wendt's cause of death revealed
The 'Cheers' star, famous for playing barfly Norm Peterson in all 11 seasons of the beloved NBC show, died from cardiac arrest, according to the death certificate obtained by TMZ on Thursday.
The certificate also reportedly lists congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes.
12 George Wendt as Norm Peterson on 'Cheers.'
NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Other contributing factors include end-stage renal disease (kidney failure) and hyperlipidemia, per the outlet.
Wendt's loved ones confirmed to The Post that the TV icon died 'peacefully in his sleep' on Tuesday, May 17, at age 76.
12 The star starred in the beloved NBC sitcom all 11 seasons.
WireImage
'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,' the family rep's told The Post in a statement. 'He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.'
Wendt, who earned six Emmy nominations for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Norm, made his final few public appearances in 2024.
In August of that year, he reunited with his 'Cheers' co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast, 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name.'
He seemed happy to be in the company of his famous colleagues and even addressed how he landed the role in the sitcom that ran from 1982 to 1993.
12 The show's Boston bar was where 'everybody knows your name.'
AP
12 George Wendt starred as Norm Peterson in other shows, too.
NBCUniversal via Getty Images
12 Woody Harrelson, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, George Wendt in 'Cheers.'
In June 2024, he made his last public appearance with his nephew, 'Ted Lasso' star Jason Sudeikis.
The actor's mom, Kathy, was one of Wendt's sisters.
The uncle and nephew shared several laughs while appearing in a comedy skit at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside comedian Robert Smigel and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
12 George Wendt reunited with his 'Cheers' co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast in one of his final appearances.
TeamCoco/YouTube
12 He also starred in a comedy skit with his nephew, Jason Sudeikis, Travis Kelce and others in 2024.
Getty Images
12 (L-R) Jason Sudeikis, Robert Smigel, Patrick Mahomes, George Wendt, and Travis Kelce at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend on June 01, 2024.
Getty Images
Dressed in Chicago Bears gear, Wendt and Smigel channeled their characters Bob Swerski and Carl Wollarski in the bit 'Super Fans,' marking the first time they played the characters since Chris Farley's death in 1997, reported KCTV5.
Sudeikis stepped in as Farley's character, Todd O'Conner, and the trio hounded Kelce about his romance with Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wendt also appeared alongside his famous nephew in January 2024 at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
12 George Wendt and Jason Sudeikis attend Apple TV +'s Primetime Emmy Party in January 2024.
WireImage
12 Jason Sudeikis appeared to be helping George Wendt who walked with a cane on the red carpet.
FilmMagic
The late star walked with a cane as Sudeikis guided his uncle down the red carpet before he joined some of his 'Cheers' castmates on stage during a special tribute honoring the most beloved shows in television history.
Several of Wendt's co-stars broke their silence about his death.
Danson, 77, told The Post, 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,' a rep for Danson shared with The Post. '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.'
12 After Wendt's death, Ted Danson told The Post he was 'devastated.'
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
12 Nicholas Colasanto, Shelley Long, Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt on 'Cheers' set.
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Rhea Perlman said, '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.'
Despite 'Cheers' ending after 11 seasons and 28 Emmys, Wendt's character lived on.
He went on to play Norm in two 'Cheers' spinoffs: 'The Tortellis' and 'Frasier,' as well as shows like 'The Simpsons,' 'Family Guy,' 'Wings,' and more.
Wendt starred as himself on 'Seinfeld' and 'The Larry Sanders Show,' and was featured as a recurring character on 'The Naked Truth' and 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch.'
Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett; their children Hilary, Joe and Daniel; and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.
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