Latest news with #SabrinatheTeenageWitch
Metro
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Chucky and Child's Play actor Ed Gale dies age 61
It has been announced that Ed Gale, best known for his numerous roles in horror movies, has died at the age of 61. The stunt performer and actor with dwarfism is best known for playing Chucky in the horror franchise Child's Play and the lead character in the 1986 Marvel superhero comedy Howard the Duck. He also appeared in various TV shows, including Land of the Lost as Tasha and Magas, plus in guest roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and 3rd Rock from the Sun. Gale's niece announced his passing on Facebook, highlighting his important role in her life as a 'fun uncle'. 'It is with a heavy heart and a surprisingly light coffin (see what I did there?) that we announce the sudden passing of our uncle, Official: Ed Gale, Actor – retired, Ed Gale has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.' 'Ed hitched a ride to California when he was twenty years old, with $41 and a dream, and he never looked back. 'He lit up the silver screens in cult classic films like Howard the Duck and Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town, earning himself some serious street cred at every con he attended. Which he never stopped bragging about. Ever. More Trending 'Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials. With this wide-ranging body of work, he leaves behind legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners.' 'Ed's favorite role was that of the 'fun uncle.' His love language was sharing his love of the entertainment industry and the magic of Hollywood with his nieces.' She spoke about some of her memories with him and joked that he was a 'cranky b*****d and will be very missed. The message did not mention how the actor passed or give details about his funeral arrangements. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Kool & the Gang legend Michael Sumler dies 'in car crash' aged 71 MORE: Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's death at 46 ruled misadventure MORE: Grammy-winning 70s rock guitarist Rick Derringer dies aged 77
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Cheers' Stars Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman and More Pay Tribute to George Wendt: ‘It Was Impossible Not to Like Him'
Tributes to George Wendt quickly poured in after his family confirmed that the 'Cheers' star died Tuesday morning at the age of 76. Wendt, who played the wise-cracking and self-deprecating barfly Norm Peterson, was a favorite of the classic sitcom, earning six consecutive Emmy nominations on the show and appearing in all 273 episodes, including the very last scene of the show, which he shared with star Ted Danson. 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,' Danson shared in a statement. '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.' More from Variety George Wendt, Who Played Norm on 'Cheers,' Dies at 76 Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson Didn't Speak for 30 Years After Danson Confronted Him on 'Cheers' Set: 'I'm Kind of Mad You Don't Show Up Ready to Go' Viola Davis Gives an Emotional Speech for the Ages and Ted Danson Spreads the Love at the Golden Globes' Inaugural Golden Gala 'I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt,' said co-star John Ratzenberger in a statement. The actor played know-it-all postal worker Cliff Clavin through the series' first nine seasons. 'For 11 years on 'Cheers,' we shared a stage, a lot of laughs and a front-row seat to one of television's most beloved friendships. 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. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved,' Ratzenberg continued. 'I'll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.' 'George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,' said 'Cheers' co-star Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla Tortelli in the series, in a statement. '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.' Tributes came in from outside the 'Cheers' family too, with 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' star Melissa Joan Hart reflecting on Wendt's guest appearances on the series on Instagram. 'Heaven just got a little funnier with George Wendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' for a handful of episodes. I was a big 'Cheers' fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set,' Hart wrote. 'He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace!' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
AsiaOne
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Cheers actor George Wendt dies aged 76, Entertainment News
George Wendt has died aged 76. The publicist of the beloved Cheers actor confirmed the news of his passing on Tuesday (May 20), describing him in a statement as a "doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him". George's family has requested privacy at this time. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, George had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Born in 1948, George was a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. George was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Born and raised in Chicago, his path to stardom was unconventional. He was expelled from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana due to poor grades before entering showbiz. His first job was sweeping floors at a theatre, but he soon landed guest roles in popular shows such as Taxi and M*A*S*H before securing his breakthrough part on Cheers. After the sitcom ended, George starred in a self-titled CBS sitcom in 1995, which was cancelled after eight episodes. Outside of Cheers, George appeared in various television roles including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo. He was also well known for his recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live, Bill Swerski's Superfans, which celebrated Chicago sports fans. George was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children — a daughter and two sons. [[nid:717834]]
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
George Wendt dead: Cheers co-star Ted Danson 'devastated' over actor's death
George Wendt dead: Cheers co-star Ted Danson 'devastated' over actor's death Cheers star George Wendt has died at the age of 76, with his co-stars and friends paying tribute to the late actor, including Ted Danson and John Ratzenberger (Image: CBS via Getty Images ) Tributes have been pouring in from the entertainment world for George Wendt, following the actor's recent passing, including touching words from his former 'Cheers' co-star Ted Danson. The actor, who played Sam Malone on the iconic NBC comedy series, expressed his heartbreak stating that he was "devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, 'The Good Place' star said: "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." Joining the chorus of tributes was John Ratzenberger, another 'Cheers' alumnus known for his role as Cliff Clavin, who reflected on their shared experiences: "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 recalled. "George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance - the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift." Ratzenberger hailed him as a gifted artist, complimenting his humility and humour by adding, "He was a true craftsman - humble, hilarious, and full of heart," and noted, "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." Melissa Joan Hart, who had the opportunity to appear alongside George Wendt in the latter seasons of 'Sabrina The Teenage Witch', also took to her Instagram this evening, hinting at the legacy he's left behind: "Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes.", reports the Mirror. "I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople (Sorry for the grainy photo)." Article continues below The cast of Cheers were regarded as being like a family by viewers (Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images ) The news follows the passing of George, who endeared himself to audiences as the affable Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom 'Cheers', at the age of 76. The cherished actor passed away in his sleep at his home on Tuesday. A statement given to the Hollywood Reporter by his representative read: 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period. '. Speaking about the enduring legacy of the NBC show in prior interviews, George once reflected: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Norm's iconic entrance at the show's bar, greeted by a chorus of his name, cemented him as a fan favourite. His arrival would always spark the exuberant call of 'Afternoon/evening everybody! ' followed by the entire bar bellowing 'Norm' in unison. 'Cheers' itself was a critically acclaimed hit, gaining 117 Emmy nominations and claiming 28 Emmies, among which it won Outstanding Comedy Series four times. George personally received six consecutive Emmy nods for his memorable role as Norm. He was a stalwart of the show, featuring in every episode until the series concluded in May 1993. George made an unexpected appearance on stage with his Cheers co-stars at the Emmy Awards in January 2024, with notable attendees including Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer. Before his time on Cheers, George had guest roles in well-known shows such as Taxi and M*A*S*H. After the phenomenal success of Cheers, George headlined his own CBS sitcom in 1995. However, the show was short-lived, being cancelled after just eight episodes. His acting career also saw him take on various television roles, including appearances in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo. George is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who provided the voice for his unseen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers. Article continues below The couple shared three children - a daughter and two sons.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ted Danson leads celebrity tributes to Cheers co-star George Wendt
George Wendt, who was best known for playing Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76, and his former co-stars have been paying tribute Celebrities have been paying tribute to the late George Wendt following the actor's death, including the late star's Cheers co-star Ted Danson. Ted, who played Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom, said in a statement that he was "devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." The Good Place actor told PEOPLE: "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." Ted and George's co-star John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin added: "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 says. "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 continues. "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." Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with George on the later series of Sabrina The Teenage Witch, told her Instagram followers this evening: "Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes. "I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople (Sorry for the grainy photo)." It comes after George, who was best known for his role as the loveable, beer-swilling Norm Peterson on iconic sitcom Cheer died aged 76. The actor died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday. A representative told the Hollywood Reporter: '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 family has requested privacy during this time.' In previous years, George spoke candidly about the impact the NBC show had on his life He said in a past interview: 'I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." The character of Norm would arrive at the bar in the sitcom yell 'Afternoon/evening everybody!' with the whole bar then shouting his name back at him. The character quickly became a fan favourite on the show. In total, the hit series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning an impressive 28 times, including the prestigious gong for Outstanding Comedy Series four times. For his own part, George was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm. He was one of the mainstays of the show, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. George made a surprise appearance on stage with his fellow Cheers cast members at the Emmy Awards in January 2024. Others to attend the surprise reunion included Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer. Prior to Cheers, George had also had guest roles in popular shows including Taxi and M*A*S*H. Following the huge success of Cheers, George starred in a self-titled CBS sitcom in 1995. However, the show was cancelled after just eight episodes. He also appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo. George leaves behind his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers. They had three children together, a daughter and two sons.
