Melissa Joan Hart and More Stars React to George Wendt's Death at 76: 'One of the Best'
Tributes are pouring in for the late George Wendt following the news of his death.
The Cheers star died "peacefully in his sleep while at home" on Tuesday, May 20, his family confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement via his publicist.
"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," the statement read. "He will be missed forever."
Jeff Ross was among the first to pay tribute to Wendt — who was best known for playing Norm Peterson on Cheers, and appeared in every episode from its 1982 premiere to its finale in 1993 — following the news of his death.
"I was lucky enough to spend some quality time talking with George Wendt a year ago at @bigslickkc annual event benefiting Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He wasn't feeling his best, but he still rose to the occasion and made thousands of people laugh a lot for a great cause," Ross, 59, wrote on Instagram as he shared a selfie of him and Wendt from last year's event.
Ross recalled Wendt performing a "hilarious 'Da Bears' sketch" at the event with his nephew Jason Sudeikis and Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.
The comedian concluded his post with a reference to the classic line from Cheers. "Cheers George — and wherever you are I know everybody knows your name."
Melissa Joan Hart reflected on her time working with Wendt during his handful of appearances on Sabrina the Teenage Witch in 2001 and 2002 in an Instagram post, as she wrote that "heaven just got a little funnier" with his arrival.
Hart said she was a "big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set" as she called it a "thrill to work beside him."
"He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople."
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Eric Allan Kramer, who guest-starred in a 1989 episode of Cheers, remembered Wendt as "one of the warmest, funniest guys I've ever come across" in an Instagram post.
"Welcoming as the star he was, incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras were rolling)… Also the first one to make sure I had a beer in my hand at the end of the night… We shared a history of work with the Calgary Stampeders and exchanged many stories over the week… Cheers, indeed… Many thanks for the laughs and the education… RIP," the Good Luck, Charlie star wrote.
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