Jason Sudeikis pays tribute to late uncle George Wendt - 'I love him dearly'

Jason Sudeikis honored his late uncle George Wendt, describing him as an "amazing" family member and an "incredible influence" in his life.

The beloved actor, celebrated for his role as Norm Peterson on the hit NBC sitcom Cheers from 1982 to 1993, which earned him six Emmy nods in a row, passed away at 76 on May 20.

His family released a touching statement marking his passing, painting him as "a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him."

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Now Jason, 49, has shared heartfelt memories of his uncle George while participating in the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend last Friday, May 30.

At this charitable gathering supporting Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, the Ted Lasso star, who is the son of George's sister, opened up about his uncle when prompted during the event launch.

During his panel discussion, which was caught on camera by NBC affiliate KSHB 41, Jason said, "With regard to my uncle George, I mean, there's that old saying of like, 'Don't meet your heroes,' usually 'cause 'they let you down,' I assume, is the back half of that statement. But he's not one of those people.

"He's as fun and kind and as warm as any character he played on television or in films. He was an incredible influence to me, both as someone that plays the trail, being from the Midwest and teaching me that acting was a career you could actually have, if you really care about it."

Jason said that his uncle imparted the notion that acting could be more than just a profession; it could also be "a career where you could meet the love of your life, like his wife, a.k.a. permanent girlfriend, Bernadette," a touching reference to his aunt Bernadette Birkett.

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Highlighting his uncle's time at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, he continued, "He also always kept connected to his family, to his roots, both in Chicago, of course, where he's from, but then also the time he spent here."

"And to a bar called Mike's a whole bunch, where I think he logged maybe 18 credit hours," Jason joked. "But it was all in preparation of a job that we all know him for, Cheers. All time well spent. But yeah, we miss him greatly, and I love him dearly."

Other panelists, including Friends icon Paul Rudd, shared their thoughts on George, "It's going to be felt, his absence, this year, even though he's so a part of it, just as much as any of us. He is a really really sweet guy. I loved him."

George's date of death was notably poignant, coinciding with the Cheers series finale's 32nd anniversary. The acclaimed actor featured in every one of the show's 275 episodes and was recognized with six Primetime Emmy Award nods for his portrayal of the beloved beer enthusiast, Norm.

Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, George first caught the public eye in the 1970s as part of the highly praised improv comedy group Second City. He also gained fame for his Saturday Night Live appearances as Bob Swerski, one of the "superfans" who regularly visited Coach Mike Ditka's eatery in Chicago to cheer on "Da Bears."

His filmography includes a host of movies such as Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plain Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992), and Spice World (1997). He also portrayed the grouchy dad of a son (played by Macaulay Culkin) who is a fan of loud music in Michael Jackson's iconic 1991 "Black or White" music video, directed by Jon Landis.

One of his final TV stints was in 2023 when the father-of-three participated in season nine of The Masked Singer US. George took on the role of Moose, mostly performing seated, and was eliminated on 80s Night alongside Christine Quinn from Selling Sunset, who performed as Scorpio.

He also thrilled fans with an unexpected appearance onstage during a Cheers cast reunion at the Emmy Awards in 2024.