Cast remembers George Wendt’s warmth, humor & friendship beyond Cheers

The Bar Where Everybody Knew His Name
The Cheers family is raising a glass to their beloved Norm.
Following George Wendt’s passing at 76, his castmates are sharing heartfelt memories.
The lovable beer enthusiast brought warmth to our screens for 11 seasons, creating a character we all wished we could chat with.
His famous bar entrance always triggered that iconic “Norm!” cheer that became part of TV history.
Danson’s Emotional Farewell
Ted Danson can’t imagine life without his dear friend Georgie. In his raw, emotional tribute, Sam Malone’s real-life counterpart shared his devastation.
“I’m sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Danson confessed through tears.
The bond they formed behind the scenes clearly matched the chemistry viewers witnessed weekly on their screens.
Cliff & Norm: Friendship Beyond Scripts
John Ratzenberger’s tribute hits right in the feels.
“For 11 years, we shared a stage, laughs, and one of TV’s most beloved friendships,” he revealed.
According to Cliff’s portrayer, Wendt made brilliance look effortless.
Their bar-stool camaraderie wasn’t just acting—it was genuine connection that lasted decades after the Boston bar closed its doors.
Carla’s Soft Spot for the Big Guy
Despite her character’s sarcastic jabs, Rhea Perlman adored working with Wendt.
“It was impossible not to like him,” she admitted with a smile.
Their dynamic involved plenty of physical comedy, with Carla regularly roughing up the gentle giant.
“I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt,” Perlman recalled, her voice cracking slightly.
Family Beyond the Final Call
The core four—Wendt, Danson, Ratzenberger, and Perlman—stayed tight long after last call.
They reunited on spinoffs like Frasier and The Tortellis, proving their connection transcended their fictional watering hole.
In 2023, while celebrating Cheers’ 30th finale anniversary, they shared wild behind-the-scenes stories, including a hilarious bathroom mishap involving Chinese food and solidarity purging.
Leaving a Barstool Empty
Wendt’s passing leaves a void at the end of the bar that can never be filled.
His wife of 47 years, Bernadette, and their three children now carry his legacy forward.
The man who played TV’s favorite barfly wasn’t just acting—his warmth, timing, and heart were authentic.
As his castmates raise a glass, fans worldwide echo that familiar cheer one last time: “NORM!”