Ted Danson has spoken about the loss of his longtime friend and Cheers co-star George Wendt.
Wendt, who became famous for his role as beer-loving Norm Peterson in the 1980s sitcom, died early on Tuesday morning (Wednesday AEST) at the age of 76.
The actor’s family confirmed the loss in a statement, saying he died peacefully in his sleep while at home.
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Danson, who played bar boss Sam Malone, told US media he’s struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” Danson’s representative told the New York Post in a statement.
“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.”
Danson isn’t the only co-star from the ’80s sitcom to pay tribute to Wendt, with Rhea Perlman also issuing a statement.
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The actress, who played cocktail waitress Carla Tortelli on the show, said she will “miss him more than words can say”.
“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him,” Perlman said in a statement issued to multiple US outlets.
“As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week.
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Cheers cast: Then and now
“I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy!”
The series was centred on loveable losers in a Boston bar and starred Danson, Perlman, Shelley Long, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, Kirstie Alley and Woody Harrelson.
Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations between 1984 and 1989 in the supporting actor category for his performance in the series.
The actor was one of three cast members – alongside Danson and Perlman – to have appeared in every single episode of the show’s run between 1982 and 1993.
Wendt’s family remembered the actor as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him”.
He is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, their three children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel, and his two step-kids, Joshua and Andrew, along with his famous nephew Jason Sudeikis.
– Reported with Associated Press and CNN.
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