Jason Sudeikis Remembers Uncle George Wendt as “an Incredible Influence”

During his involvement in the yearly Big Slick charity function held in Kansas City, Jason Sudeikis paused to pay tribute to his deceased uncle, who was famously known for his role on “Cheers,” – George Wendt.

I, a longtime fan, sadly announce that the legendary actor behind Norm Peterson from Cheers, has passed away peacefully in his sleep at home last month. At 76 years old, he left us with memories of his unforgettable portrayal of the beer-loving character that will forever be etched in our hearts.

At a recent press gathering, the main actor of Ted Lasso was inquired about Wendt. When expressing his sympathies for Wendt’s passing, he shared, “We feel his absence deeply, and I hold fond memories of him.

Sudeikis stated during the event on Friday, “There’s an old adage that goes something like ‘Don’t meet your idols because they often disappoint.’ However, this person isn’t like that. He’s as lively, considerate, and welcoming as any character he portrayed in his acting career. He had a profound impact on me, not only as someone who paved the way for actors from the Midwest, but also by showing me that acting could be a viable profession if you truly dedicate yourself to it.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I’ve always managed to stay connected with my roots, not just back in Chicago where I hail from, but also here in Kansas City, where I’ve put in some serious gaming hours, especially at Mike’s bar. I guess you could say I racked up around 18 levels there, all in the name of getting ready for a role we all know him for – Cheers. Time well invested.

When his microphone began acting up, Sudeikis jokingly commented, “he’s tampering with the soundboard. It’s like he’s saying, ‘don’t mention me,’… pure Midwestern modesty at play.

In 2024, six-time Emmy nominee Wendt, who was Kathryn Sudeikis’ brother, expressed his pride for his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis, during an interview on the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast. Both individuals have thriving careers in the entertainment industry.

Wendt expressed, “[Sudeikis] is an exceptional individual. I feel nothing but pride for him.” The pride stems not just from his success, but also because of his character – he’s genuine, intelligent, and considerate. These qualities shine through in the series.

Back in 2011, I gushed about my uncle to Playboy, praising his acting career and the strides he’s made in the industry. (Or, In a 2011 interview with Playboy, I couldn’t help but sing the praises of my talented actor uncle.)

[Wendt] was a great demonstration that pursuing acting could be successful,” said the star of Ted Lasso, as reported by Huffington Post. “This man from the Midwest, who is part of my family, chose an unconventional path and it paid off for him. The advice he shared with me, and I say this humorously, was ‘Find your way onto one of the best sitcoms ever made and then make the most of it.’

Following Georgie’s passing, several of his “Cheers” colleagues expressed their tributes in honor of the departed actor. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ted Danson shared his sentiments, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn that Wendt has left us. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bernadette and the children. It will take me a considerable amount of time to accept this reality. I loved you, Georgie.

John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin alongside Wendt in Cheers, expressed sadness over Wendt’s passing in a statement to THR. He said, “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the demise of my dear friend George Wendt. For a span of eleven years on Cheers, we worked together, laughed abundantly, and witnessed one of television’s most cherished friendships unfold. George breathed life into Norm with a quiet genius – a talent that made it seem effortless. That was his unique gift.

Rhea Perlman, known for her role in Cheers, expressed her thoughts about George Wendt on the series in a statement to THR: “George Wendt was the nicest, most compassionate person I’ve ever encountered. It was hard not to like him. As Carla, I frequently found myself next to him, with Norm always occupying the same bar stool, which made it simple for me to grab him and give him a good pounding at least once a week. I enjoyed doing it, and he enjoyed feigning that it didn’t hurt. What a man! I will miss him more than words can express.

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2025-06-02 23:55