Cheers star George Wendt’s cause of death revealed after beloved actor found dead
CHEERS star George Wendt’s death was caused by multiple factors, his death certificate has revealed.
The actor, 76, was found dead at his home last month exactly 32 years after the final episode of Cheers aired.
Wendt died of cardiac arrest, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health revealed on Thursday.
His death was also caused by underlying issues like congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, according to the death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Kidney failure and high cholesterol also contributed to his death, officials said.
The star was pronounced dead at 10 am on May 20 after dying peacefully in his sleep at home in Los Angeles.
He was cremated on May 28.
His family said in a statement at the time, “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.”
Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who he married in 1978, and their three children.
He also leaves behind his nephew, actor Jason Sudeikis.
Wendt starred as Norm Peterson in Cheers from 1982 to 1993.
The actor impressively appeared in all 275 episodes of the show until it went off air on May 20, 1993.
He was nominated for outstanding supporting actor at the Emmys for six consecutive years for the role.
The Chicago native earned his own spinoff after the beloved sitcom ended.
He starred in The George Wendt Show, which was canceled after only six episodes.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Wendt also had small roles in shows like Taxi, Soap, M*A*S*H, The Simpsons, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Goldbergs.
He also acted in a series of films including Fletch, The Little Rascals, Airplane II: The Sequel, Santa Buddies, and House.
In addition to the big screen and the silver screen, Wendt also had stints on the stage.
He played Edna Turnblad in Hairspray in 2007 and Santa in the musical Elf in 2010.
Most recently, he appeared on The Masked Singer in 2023.
At the Emmy Awards in January 2024, Wendt made a surprise appearance when he reunited with the Cheers cast on stage.