Ted Danson Shares How He’s Dealing With the Loss of ‘Cheers’ Co-Star George Wendt

Ted Danson recently opened up about how he’s processing the death of his friend and former “Cheers” co-star George Wendt. Wendt, who played Norm on the iconic sitcom, passed away on May 20 at the age of 76. Danson, who played Sam Malone on the show, revealed on his podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” that he hasn’t fully processed the loss. 

During a chat with “Ted Lasso” star Brett Goldstein, Danson shared that he’s still dealing with his sadness over Wendt’s passing. “I have a big ol’ hole and I haven’t started to process it,” Danson said. 

He also explained that he learned of Wendt’s death while working, which didn’t allow him a lot of time to grieve. “I was in the middle of working [when I heard the news] and I … had a little cry, and then had to, like, move on,” the actor said.

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Danson, Wendt, and Woody Harrelson Reunited For a Chat Last Summer

In August of 2024, Wendt was a guest on “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” and he, Danson, and Woody Harrelson, who played Woody on “Cheers,” got the chance to reminisce about their time working together. Harrelson brought up the impressive fact that Wendt appeared in nearly every single episode of the series for its entire 11-season run. 

Danson told Goldstein that he was grateful to have had that conversation with Harrelson and Wendt, and had nothing but praise for his talented pal. “I could sit there and watch and laugh and will continue to for a very long time, so celebratory-ness is called for as well even though I will miss him,” he said. 

Danson also expressed his compassion for Wendt’s wife, Bernadette Birkett, to whom he had been married since 1978, and their three children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel. “…I can’t imagine what it’s like for Bernadette and his kids,” the actor said. “That I can’t touch in my imagination.” Wendt was also the uncle and godfather of “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis. 

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Danson’s Emotional Words Following Wendt’s Passing

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The cause of Wendt’s death was determined to be cardiac arrest, but the late actor suffered from other health issues as well, including hypertension, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure. It’s unclear whether Danson and others close to Wendt were aware of his health problems, but his passing seemed to have come as a shock either way. 

Upon hearing the news, Danson released a statement that said he was “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.” He went on to send love to the actor’s family and ended on an emotional note: “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

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