Editorial: Norm on ‘Cheers'? George Wendt meant far more to Chicagoans.
Anyone who craved a life of sitcom fame had not spent time with George Wendt, a man who could not walk into a restaurant or take a stroll in the fresh air without cacophonous cries of 'Norm!' coming at him from all directions from the mouths of people who seemed to think they were the only people ever to be so witty.
Being a gentle and kind spirit, Wendt would smile wryly, like a man with an eternal cross to bear. He'd typically say afterward that he at least made people smile just by his existence.
But for those who work or care about Chicago theater, the barfly Norm from 'Cheers' was not what first came to mind when the actor died Tuesday at the age of 76. Rather, the city's creative community lost not just one of its most important comedic actors and spokespeople, but one of its most enthusiastic supporters.
Long after 'Cheers' was gone from our screens, Wendt was willing to leverage his fame and his regular-guy authenticity, being such a stereotypical Chicagoan, in service of the city that nurtured him (Wendt grew up in Beverly). He showed up for most every Second City reunion. He always talked happily to this newspaper. Playing a gruff, arts-loving Chicago cop, he even made a commercial (at no charge) for the League of Chicago Theatres with the tagline, 'Now That's What I Call Theatre.' He appeared in two shows for the Northlight Theatre: Richard Dresser's 'Rounding Third' in 2002 and Bruce Graham's 'Funnyman' in 2015.
In the latter show about an old school comic, Wendt actually confronted what it meant to be known everywhere as a lovable comedian. 'People stop me on the street all the time,' his character said. ''Say something funny!'' We all have a Wowza! — the one thing that people think we do and that we're sick of doing.' For anyone who saw Wendt do that show, it was clear that Wendt's 'Wowza!' was Norm from 'Cheers,' even though he was always careful to say that he was appreciative of the fame and fortune from the beloved sitcom.
Wendt long had faced health problems, but that didn't make his death any less of a jolt. Over the years, Chicago has had some entertainment figures indelibly associated with the city. The late John and the living Jim Belushi, both complex figures, certainly come to mind. So does Joe Mantegna. And Chris Farley.
But while we're praising what you might call the Mike Ditka school of Chicago comedy ( Bears), let's agree that Wendt was the gentle leader of that particular Chicago Rat Pack.
So long, George. We appreciate all you did for us in this town.
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George Wendt's Cause of Death Revealed 2 Weeks After the 'Cheers' Star Died at 76
George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed A death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health indicates the Cheers alum died from cardiac arrest with other underlying causes and contributing conditions On Tuesday, May 20, Wendt's publicist, Melissa Nathan, confirmed that he had died earlier that morning at age 76 in a statement shared with PEOPLEGeorge Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. According to a death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, obtained by TMZ, the Cheers alum died from cardiac arrest. Other underlying causes of his death included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, per the death certificate. Additionally, Wendt's death was due to significant contributing conditions, including end-stage renal disease, otherwise known as kidney failure, and hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is an "excess of lipids or fats in your blood" that can increase the "risk of heart attack and stroke because blood can't flow through your arteries easily," according to the Cleveland Clinic. The death certificate indicated that Wendt was cremated on May 28, per TMZ. On Tuesday, May 20, Wendt's publicist, Melissa Nathan, confirmed that he had died earlier that morning in a statement shared with PEOPLE. He was 76. 'Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away," the statement read. "George's family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home." "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever," the statement continued. "The family has requested privacy during this time.' Wendt was best known for playing Norm Peterson on Cheers, and he appeared in every episode from its 1982 premiere to its finale in 1993. Upon the news of his death, his former costars opened up about their relationship with Wendt and reflected on some of their favorite memories. Ted Danson told PEOPLE in a statement he's "devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." "I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children," Danson said. "It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie." John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on Cheers, also told PEOPLE that he was "heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "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," he wrote. "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," he continued. "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." Read the original article on People
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