Rhea Perlman was shocked over 'Cheers' co-star George Wendt's death
Rhea Perlman is weighing in on the recent death of her former 'Cheers' co-star, George Wendt.
'That was the saddest thing ever, when George passed away,' Perlman, 77, exclusively told The Post while promoting her new Netflix show, 'Too Much.'
Advertisement
'Really unexpected. None of us thought he was that sick. And I don't think he thought he was that sick – because we had seen him not that long ago during the Emmys. We did some special bit during the Emmys,' she recalled, referring to the 'Cheers' reunion during the 2024 awards ceremony.
7 Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, George Wendt as Norm Peterson in 'Cheers.'
NBCUniversal via Getty Images
7 Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, George Wendt as Norm Peterson in 'Cheers.'
NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Advertisement
'And I would run into George and his wife, Bernadette [Birkett], often on the street in the valley where they lived,' she revealed. 'Everything seemed just fine.'
Wendt died at age 76 of cardiac arrest on May 20. His death certificate also reportedly listed congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension as underlying causes.
'Ted Lasso' star Jason Sudeikis was Wendt's nephew.
7 George Wendt and Rhea Pearlman of 'Cheers' arrive for NBC's 75th Anniversary Special May 5, 2002 at Rockefeller Center.
Getty Images
Advertisement
'He's as fun and kind and as warm as any character he played on television or in films,' Sudeikis, 49, said in June after the star's passing.
'He was an incredible influence to me, both as someone that plays the trail being from the Midwest and teaching me that acting was a career you could actually have, and it's also a career where you could meet the love of your life like his wife, and AKA permanent girlfriend, Bernadette,' the 'Saturday Night Live' alum concluded.
7 John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Ted Danson, George Wendt, Rhea Perlman and Kirstie Alley of 'Cheers.'
WireImage
Wendt was famous for playing Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom 'Cheers,' which aired on NBC for eleven seasons from 1982 to 1993.
Advertisement
The show followed former Red Sox pitcher-turned-bar owner Sam Malone (Ted Danson), and the various employees and patrons of the bar, including bar regular Norm (Wendt), barmaid Dianne (Shelley Long), bartender 'Coach' (Nicholas Colasanto) bar regular Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), bartender Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson), and wisecracking cocktail waitress Carla (Perlman).
'He was just the sweetest man in the world,' Perlman told The Post.
7 John Ratzenberger, Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, Ted Danson, George Wendt, Rhea Perlman in 'Cheers.'
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
7 helley Long as Diane Chambers, Ted Danson as Sam Malone, Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd, John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin, George Wendt as Norm Peterson, (center) Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli.
NBCUniversal via Getty Images
7 James Burrows, Ted Dasnson, Shelley Long, John Ratzenberger, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt in 2016.
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
She recalled that in 'Cheers,' Norm would sit on the bar while Carla often stood nearby.
'Every once in a while, I'd give him a punch, because that's what Carla does,' she explained. 'I'm punching him out of love.'
Advertisement
'He would go 'ow!' and make me feel like I really hurt him. And I'd go, 'Oh, stop it! You didn't even feel that.''
She quipped, 'He was like a pussy cat.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Rapper Mack Maine announces sudden death of son: ‘I'm still in shock'
Mack Maine has announced the death of his son. The 'Tapout' rapper, who has collaborated with hip-hop greats like Lil Wayne, Future and Nicki Minaj, took to Instagram to reveal that his young son Isaiah, also known as Zeke, died earlier this month from a fatal seizure. He was 20, TMZ reports. 'Been trying to build up the strength to put up this post since last night so bear with me,' Maine, 43, began on Monday. Advertisement 6 Mack Maine arrives at the Casadonna opening celebration in Miami's Edgewater on October 20, 2023, in Miami, Florida. Getty Images 6 Mack Maine's late son, Zeke, who tragically passed away from a seizure on July 16. mackmaine4president/Instagram 'On July 16th I received a call that my son Isaiah (Zeke) passed away at his home in California from a seizure,' the New Orleans native continued. 'I'm still in shock and still processing the fact that he's gone. Still confused, still questioning life and why my child and not me.' Advertisement Maine, who was named president of Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment in 2009, went on to call fatherhood 'one of the greatest gifts' in life. He wrote that his son's passing has been a 'pain I've personally never felt before.' 6 Mack Maine attends Celebrating 30 Years of Cash Money at the Fillmore New Orleans on July 5, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana. WireImage 'The experience and bond with you and I brought me purpose,' Maine captioned several photos of his late son. 'YOU were my biggest inspiration and were the reason I got out of the bed when everyone else snoozed.' Advertisement 'Your smile brightened my dark days as you were my SONshine,' the record exec continued. 'Your soul was made of innocence and your heart was pure.' Monday also marked the 'Always Strapped' rapper's 43rd birthday and the second anniversary of his father's death. Maine asked that his fans 'hug the ones you love' and 'tell them you love them.' 6 Mack Maine with his late son, Zeke. mackmaine4president/Instagram The rap label exec, whose real name is Jermaine Anthony Preyan, ended his touching tribute with a shoutout to both his late son and dad. Advertisement 'To Zeke I love you and I know I'll see you again,' he wrote. 'To my Pops I miss you big dawg and I know you met Zeke on the other side with open arms.' 'I vow to continue to make yall proud I just ask yall continue to walk with me and pick me up when I fall… I need the strength…. Until we meet again… LOVE,' Maine concluded. 6 Mack Maine's late son, Zeke, shortly after getting accepted to Louisiana State University. mackmaine4president/Instagram Many of Maine's fans and peers offered their condolences. 'I don't even believe what I just read,' Nicki Minaj, 42, wrote. 'This can't be real.' 'I love you so much,' she continued. 'You guys raised the most incredible young man. He was such a perfect boy. I have no words to express what you must be feeling. No words.' 6 Mack Maine shared several photos of himself with his son, Zeke, upon announcing his tragic passing. mackmaine4president/Instagram 'We are praying for your whole family, Mack,' the 'Super Bass' singer concluded her message. 'We love you so much.' Advertisement 'Bru im so sorry to hear this,' rapper 2 Chainz added. 'Praying for you and the fam, I love ya bru.'
New York Post
9 hours ago
- New York Post
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh skipped Princess Diana's funeral because their resemblance was ‘too upsetting': report
Too close for comfort. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, allegedly skipped Princess Diana's funeral because the pair looked too much alike. Author Sean Smith made the surprising claim in his new biography about the 60-year-old duchess, 'Sophie: Saving the Royal Family,' which was published July 17. Advertisement 9 Sophie Rhys-Jones arriving at her offices in Mayfair, London, on her 34th birthday. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images 9 Princess Diana leaving the British Lung Foundation in Hatton Garden after being presented with a bouquet of the first rose named after her. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images 'She had an obvious and reasonable excuse: a friend at the palace explained, 'Sophie decided it would be too upsetting for the crowd if she went,'' Smith wrote. Advertisement ''She's well aware that she looks like Princess Diana from a distance and made her decision in a caring and thoughtful way,'' he added. ''The royal family fully supported.'' Besides sharing Diana's signature cropped blonde hair, Sophie also has blue eyes that resemble those of the late princess. 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival at Lannock Farm, Weston, on July 3, 2025, in Hitchin, England. Getty Images 9 Princess Diana attending an event at Bridgewater House in London. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images Advertisement The pair looked so much alike that Sophie once commented on the striking similarities between her and Diana. 'I don't deny that we do look alike,' she said in the 1990s, per Daily Express. 'But I couldn't ever compete with Diana's image.' 'I'm not Diana,' Sophie added at the time. 9 Sophie Rhys-Jones attending a concert gala for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's 50th wedding anniversary. Getty Images Advertisement 9 Princess Di arriving at the Tate Gallery on her 36th birthday on July 1, 1997. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images Princess Diana tragically died on Aug. 31, 1997, after a car accident in Paris. She was 37. The beloved royal was later honored in a Westminster Abbey service attended by more than 2,000 people on Sept. 6, 1997. While one million people were estimated to have lined the route of Diana's funeral procession through London, another 2 billion people were estimated to have watched on TV. 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, during Trooping The Colour 2025 on June 14, 2025, in London, England. UK Press via Getty Images At the time, Sophie – then known only by her maiden name, Sophie Rhys-Jones – was dating Queen Elizabeth's youngest son, Prince Edward. The pair announced their engagement two years after Diana's death, and married at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on June 19, 1999. After embracing her new role as a full-time working royal, Sophie and Edward welcomed two children: Lady Louise Windsor, now 21, and James, the Earl of Wessex, now 17. Advertisement 9 Prince Edward and Sophie married at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on June 19, 1999. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images But Sophie's time as a royal has not been without controversy. In March 2023, Prince Edward and Sophie's royal titles changed from the Earl and Countess of Wessex to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh following King Charles' ascension to the throne. Sophie's new title put her at a higher rank than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Sophie was said to be 'relieved' about the royal change. Advertisement 9 Sophie Rhys-Jones at the Guildhall in London for the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards World Fellowship Ball. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images 'She no longer has to curtsy to someone in the family who has not only left royal duties but has spent the past three years criticizing the institution that Sophie works so hard to support,' a royal source claimed at the time. Then, in May 2023, an 81-year-old great-grandmother was killed after she was struck by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie through West London. One month later, Sophie faced backlash from royal fans after she allegedly scolded Prince William and Princess Kate's daughter, Princess Charlotte, during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Adam Sandler's 15 best movies, ranked (including 'Happy Gilmore')
With Adam Sandler, it's been a tale of two careers: the goofy comedian of his "Saturday Night Live" and early film days, and the more accomplished thespian of his later years (who can still be goofy when needed). But whether or not you prefer his more serious outings to man-child Billy Madison and hockey-loving golf savant Happy Gilmore – who returns in the sequel "Happy Gilmore 2" (streaming now on Netflix) – Sandler has enjoyed a profound evolution as an actor and performer. It's only a matter of time until he nabs an Oscar nomination (and probably should have at least one by now). Who could have imagined that back when he was singing the Hanukkah song on "SNL"? In honor of his latest outing, we're ranking the Sandman's 15 best movies. (While the original "Happy" makes the cut, the cameo-filled follow-up sadly does not.) Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox 15. 'Murder Mystery' (2019) New York cop Nick (Sandler) and hairdresser wife Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) go on their dream European vacation, which goes awry when they're invited on a billionaire's yacht and are embroiled in a murder case. OK, they're no Sherlock and Watson, but Sandler and Aniston end up making a decent detective duo. 14. 'Happy Gilmore' (1996) The sports comedy is one of Sandler's sillier outings, playing the title hockey player who takes up pro golf to help save his beloved grandma's house. The high-profile cameos, though, are fantastic, from Bob Barker (as himself) brawling with Sandler to Carl Weathers in one of his best roles as Happy's one-handed coach. 13. 'Anger Management' (2003) In his comedy heyday, Sandler partnered with Jack Nicholson for this buddy flick, with Sandler as a dude sent to therapy after an in-flight incident and Nicholson as the doctor whose unorthodox techniques exacerbate his new patient's rage problems. On paper, it should have been better, but it's still worth watching two A-listers going at it. 12. '50 First Dates' (2004) "The Wedding Singer" might be the best Sandler/Drew Barrymore rom-com team-up but "First Dates" is the sweetest: A womanizing veterinarian (Sandler) becomes enamored with an art teacher (Barrymore) with amnesia and commits to winning her over day after day. 11. 'Airheads' (1994) Watching this gonzo music comedy 30 years ago, who could have imagined Brendan Fraser as an Oscar winner, Steve Buscemi with an Emmy and Sandler as a somewhat serious actor? They're cast as hard-rock goofballs who take a radio station hostage with water pistols filled with hot sauce to get their demo tape played. 10. 'Leo' (2023) Apologies to the "Hotel Transylvania" faithful: A 74-year-old fifth-grade pet lizard is the animated role Sandler was born to play. His title character Leo worries about his mortality and hatches an escape plan but instead makes a bunch of young friends in the delightfully weird and subtly touching musical comedy. 9. 'The Waterboy' (1998) As a great man once said, "That's some high-quality H2O!" Bullied by the football players he keeps hydrated, mother-loving Louisiana college waterboy Bobby Boucher (Sandler) finally snaps and unlocks an aggressive side that makes him a gridiron wunderkind. He can play outside linebacker for our team anytime. 8. 'The Meyerowitz Stories' (2017) Writer/director Noah Baumbach's dramedy cast Sandler and Ben Stiller as estranged half-brothers who reunite for an art retrospective for their aging sculptor dad (Dustin Hoffman). A lifetime of dysfunction and a health scare ignite a sibling rivalry that gives both Stiller and Sandler plum complex roles to play. 7. 'Spaceman' (2024) In a decidedly dramatic yet still oddball role, Sandler plays a Czech astronaut halfway through a lonely, one-man mission to investigate a cosmic purple cloud near Jupiter. Cracks form in the long-distance relationship with his wife (Carey Mulligan), and he works through his feelings by befriending a mysterious talking alien spider (Paul Dano). 6. 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah' (2023) Sandler takes a backseat to his real family in this delightful coming-of-age comedy. The role of devoted dad suits him well opposite wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny, the latter of whom plays a middle-schooler looking forward to her bat mitzvah and instead finds a whole heap of girl drama. 5. 'Funny People' (2009) Director Judd Apatow's darkly funny yet feel-good dramedy casts Sandler in a role he knows very well: mega-popular comedian/movie star. When he's diagnosed with a terminal disease, Sandler's character befriends a young stand-up (Seth Rogen), reconnects with the love who got away (Leslie Mann) and finds a new lease on life. 4. 'The Wedding Singer' (1998) The best of Sandler's straight-up comedies is a 1980s retro affair packed with style and cool music. A wedding singer (Sandler) hits it off with a reception waitress (Drew Barrymore) and he promises to play her wedding. Of course, they fall in love, but not without some crises of confidence, Reagan-era high jinks and old-lady rapping to make things interesting. 3. 'Hustle' (2022) Sandler marries his loves – acting and hoops – as a Philadelphia 76ers basketball scout who discovers a standout streetballer (ex-NBA player Juancho Hernangómez) in Spain and brings him to America. Both help each other out in a rousing narrative chock-full of real-life roundball stars and choice Sandler zingers. 2. 'Punch-Drunk Love' (2002) Paul Thomas Anderson's romantic dramedy is the first to really toss Sandler in the awards-season mix. The comedian earned a Golden Globe nod as a lonely plunger salesman with serious rage issues who starts dating his sister's co-worker (Emily Watson), though a phone-sex extortion scheme threatens the budding relationship. 1. 'Uncut Gems' (2019) Get ready for a two-hour anxiety-fest. Josh and Benny Safdie's intricately crafted crime thriller finds Sandler in prime form as a gambling jeweler who wants to make serious bank off a rare opal. He runs afoul of the wrong people, leading to an intensely stressful final act fueled by a close NBA playoff game.
