The cause of Cheers star George Wendt’s death has been revealed, two weeks after his family announced his passing. According to TMZ, which obtained a copy of the actor’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Wendt passed away from cardiac arrest with underlying causes of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. The document also noted that other conditions contributed to Wendt’s death, such as end-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure, and hyperlipidemia, which is high cholesterol. It went on to state that the beloved actor officially passed away at 10 a.m. on May 20, at 76 years old, and was cremated on May 28. Wendt was known for playing Norm Peterson on the sitcom Cheers for all 11 of its seasons. In a statement, Wendt’s publicist, Melissa Nathan, described the star as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever.” Tributes have continued to pour in for the late actor, beginning with his Cheers co-star Ted Danson, who said that “it is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.” At the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend 2025 fundraiser in Kansas City last weekend, Jason Sudeikis—Wendt’s nephew—paid tribute to his famous uncle. “He’s as fun and kind and as warm as any character he played on television or in films,” said the former Saturday Night Live star.
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