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Jason Sudeikis Leads Cheers Singalong Tribute to Uncle George Wendt

During the Children’s Mercy Hospital fundraiser, the Ted Lasso star highlighted his uncle’s warmth as a source of inspiration for his career.

Overview

  • George Wendt, best known as Norm Peterson on Cheers, died peacefully in his sleep at home on May 20 at age 76.
  • On May 30 at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, Sudeikis described Wendt as “fun and kind” and credited him with teaching him that acting could be a viable career.
  • The event concluded with attendees joining in a singalong of the Cheers theme song to honor Wendt’s memory.
  • Fellow panelists, including Rob Riggle and Paul Rudd, recalled Wendt’s decades-long participation in Big Slick and his easygoing presence.
  • Speakers underscored Wendt’s Midwest roots, devotion to family and enduring influence on both his Cheers co-stars and his nephew’s path in entertainment.