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George Wendt family: All on wife Bernadette Birkett and children
Actor George Wendt has died at the age of 76. Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett. The couple has three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.
George Wendt, actor best known for playing Norm Peterson in the NBC sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. In a statement issued on Tuesday, his representative confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at home.
“George was 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. The family has requested privacy during this time,” the statement said.
George Wendt Family -
Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett. The two met while performing with Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe and married on July 8, 1978. Together, they had three children: daughter Hilary (born in 1985), and sons Joe (1987) and Daniel (1990).
Wendt was also the godfather and uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis.
Appearing in an episode of the Still Here Hollywood podcast with Steve Kmetko last year, Wendt spoke about his nephew's career success.
“He's such a great kid. Very proud. Proud especially, you know, not only of the success, but he's solid. Have you read profiles and stuff? I mean he is... so smart, so thoughtful,” Wendt said.
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Who is Bernadette Birkett?
Born in 1946 in Chicago, Bernadette Birkett is an accomplished actress in her own right. Her credits include roles in Heartbeeps (1981), Mr. Mom (1983), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), and Heartbreakers (2001). She also appeared on the critically acclaimed It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. Birkett provided the voice of Norm’s unseen wife, Vera Peterson, in several episodes of Cheers.
In a 1993 interview with People magazine, Birkett described the close-knit bond among the Cheers cast.
"They get along like siblings. To somebody peeking in from the outside, they look like they’re having the greatest time in the world," she said.
