George Wendt’s Nephew, Jason Sudeikis, Reflects on His Passing
One of the most beloved sitcom actors of all time died this week, as "Cheers" star George Wendt passed on Tuesday at the age of 76.
Wendt played Norm Peterson on the show from 1982 through 1993, one of three characters to appear in every episode of the series' run. Norm was a frequent customer of the titular Boston bar, and one of the favorite characters among the show's fanbase.
Wendt wasn't the only famous member of his family, as his nephew is fellow actor Jason Sudeikis.
The "Ted Lasso" star reflected on a favorite memory from his childhood with his uncle.
“We all went out to California to visit and George had just gotten a new car,” Sudeikis said, recalling the story in an interview alongside Wendt back in 2017.
“It was a badass BMW with, like, manual drive, which I’d never seen before, you know, I was pretty young. He took me and my dad for a ride."
Sudeikis said that Wendt drove through the Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles “hundreds and thousands of times,” but that their drive through it that day would be different.
“He had my dad holding onto [the car] like nothing you’ve ever seen. And I’m just, like, sliding around the background just because the seats were brand new," Sudeikis said.
"I hold that memory very fondly."
Wendt was also complimentary toward Sudeikis, praising him for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and on "Ted Lasso."
“He’s such a great kid. Very proud," Wendt said on the "Still Here Hollywood" podcast last year, after explaining the advice he gave Sudeikis before getting the "SNL" job.
"Proud especially, you know, not only of the success, but he’s solid. Have you read profiles and stuff? I mean he is such a mensch, so smart, so thoughtful. I mean, it all comes out in the show. Right?”
Wendt appeared in his final film in 2024, a TV movie for Great American Family starring former "Full House" star Jodie Sweetin.
He is survived by his wife and three children. Rest in peace to George Wendt, and we send condolences to his friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.