Cliff Notes – Cheers star George Wendt’s cause of death revealed after death aged 76
- George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, passed away at 76 due to cardiac arrest, with underlying health issues including congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
- Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home on May 20, and his family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
- Tributes from co-stars and friends highlight Wendt’s comedic talent and warm personality, with many expressing their deep sorrow at his passing.
Cheers star George Wendt’s cause of death revealed after death aged 76
Cheers star George Wendt died at the age of 76 last month and the cause of his death has now been revealed.
The actor, best known for his role as Norm Peterson in the 1980s sitcom, died at his home early on the morning of May 20.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health body released Wendt’s death certificate on Thursday (June 6), TMZ reports.
Wendt was pronounced dead last month and was cremated on May 28, the document states.
Wendt, who was beloved by millions of fans, reportedly died of a cardiac arrest.
The certificate is also said to list a series of underlying causes of Wendt’s death, with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension among them.
The other conditions listed include kidney failure and hyperlipidemia, which relates to high cholesterol.
His family confirmed the news last month to TMZ, sharing that he died peacefully in his sleep – months after he was seen during a rare public appearance.
‘George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,’ a rep said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
‘He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.’
Cheers co-star Ted Danson said he was ‘devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us’, in a statement shared with People.
He continued: ‘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.’
John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on Cheers, also told the publication that he was ‘heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt’.
‘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,’ Ratzenberger said. ‘George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.’
He added: ‘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. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most.’
Melissa Joan Hart, who Wendt worked with on Sabrina the Teenage Witch in 2001 and 2002, said that ‘heaven just got a little funnier’, in a tribute she shared on Instagram.
Wendt landed roles on Hart to Hart, Soap, M*A*S*H in the early 80s, before he joined the long-running comedy Cheers as Norm, which went on to be his best-known work.
The series ran for 11 years between 1982 and 1993, with Wendt appearing as the beloved barfly in all 275 episodes alongside Kelsey Grammer, Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kirstie Alley and Woody Harrelson.
He became a firm favourite with fans, and received six Emmy nominations over the years.