Sad final days of iconic sitcom legend

The man behind one of the most iconic sitcom characters in the history of television died earlier this week, sparking a flood of tributes.

Carly Wright and Andrew McMurtry

less than 2 min read

May 25, 2025 - 6:11AM

news.com.au

George Wendt – 1948-2025 – The legendary Cheers actor died aged 76 in May. Wendt played the iconic Norm Peterson, whose entry saw the entire bar shout “Norm” every time he entered the bar. Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images, file

1/53George Wendt – 1948-2025 – The legendary Cheers actor died aged 76 in May. Wendt played the iconic Norm Peterson, whose entry saw the entire bar shout “Norm” every time he entered the bar. Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images, file

Wendt, pictured next to Boston Red Sox third baseman Wade Boggs and the rest of the Cheers cast, featured in every episode of the iconic sitcom alongside the likes of Ted Danson, John Ratzenberge, Rhea Pearlman, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley. Photo: AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin, File

2/53Wendt, pictured next to Boston Red Sox third baseman Wade Boggs and the rest of the Cheers cast, featured in every episode of the iconic sitcom alongside the likes of Ted Danson, John Ratzenberge, Rhea Pearlman, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley. Photo: AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin, File

While the news was met with shock, Wendt had been out of the public eye in recent year. He was known to have health issues reportedly stemming from obesity and heart issues. In 2012, he was hospitalised with chest pains and Newsbreak reported at the time that he faced mobility challenges due to weight gain. Photo: BACKGRID

3/53While the news was met with shock, Wendt had been out of the public eye in recent year. He was known to have health issues reportedly stemming from obesity and heart issues. In 2012, he was hospitalised with chest pains and Newsbreak reported at the time that he faced mobility challenges due to weight gain. Photo: BACKGRID

The last time Wendt was seen in public was in January where he was photographed getting out of a car with his wife Bernadette, where he required the assistance of a cane. Photo: BACKGRID Australia

4/53The last time Wendt was seen in public was in January where he was photographed getting out of a car with his wife Bernadette, where he required the assistance of a cane. Photo: BACKGRID Australia

Wendt was also featured with John Ratzenberger onstage at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024. Wendt reported died peacefully in his sleep. Ted Danson, who starred as Sam Malone in the 11-year run of Cheers said of Wendt: “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.” Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

5/53Wendt was also featured with John Ratzenberger onstage at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024. Wendt reported died peacefully in his sleep. Ted Danson, who starred as Sam Malone in the 11-year run of Cheers said of Wendt: “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.” Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Kilmer had a career that spanned over four decades, with notable roles as his breakout performance as villain ‘Iceman’ in the 1986 film Top Gun, and a turn at Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever. Photo by CBS via Getty Images

6/53Kilmer had a career that spanned over four decades, with notable roles as his breakout performance as villain ‘Iceman’ in the 1986 film Top Gun, and a turn at Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever. Photo by CBS via Getty Images

Val Kilmer – 1959-2025 – The legendary actor died in April at the age of 65 after a battle with throat cancer. His daughter Mercedes revealed that it was pneumonia that claimed his life. Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images

7/53Val Kilmer – 1959-2025 – The legendary actor died in April at the age of 65 after a battle with throat cancer. His daughter Mercedes revealed that it was pneumonia that claimed his life. Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images

Pamela Bach – 1963-2025 – The former Baywatch star and the ex-wife of David Hasselhoff died on March 5th at the age of 62, which has been ruled by the Los Angeles medical examiner as a suicide. (Need to talk to someone? Don’t go it alone. Please reach out for help. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au – Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au – Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au – Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au – 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

8/53Pamela Bach – 1963-2025 – The former Baywatch star and the ex-wife of David Hasselhoff died on March 5th at the age of 62, which has been ruled by the Los Angeles medical examiner as a suicide. (Need to talk to someone? Don’t go it alone. Please reach out for help. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au – Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au – Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au – Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au – 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

Reports have emerged that Bach had health and money issues in the lead up to her death. The couple’s former nanny and assistant Andrea Canning, who went on to become a Dateline journalist and writer, spoke out following the death of her friend. “She definitely had troubles, but she also had a really positive outlook on life as well,” Ms Canning told People. “And it’s funny — the longer I got to know her, the nicer she became.” But Ms Canning also revealed Bach had money issues. “There were times where she’s like, ‘I’m going to be homeless. I’ve got to get out of this house,’ which never happened,” said Ms Canning. “She would say it was going to happen, and then it didn’t. And I don’t know how she ended up staying there. I don’t know how she kept her bills paid, because she was always saying that, ‘What am I going to do’.” Photo: AP Photo/Jill Connelly, File

9/53Reports have emerged that Bach had health and money issues in the lead up to her death. The couple’s former nanny and assistant Andrea Canning, who went on to become a Dateline journalist and writer, spoke out following the death of her friend. “She definitely had troubles, but she also had a really positive outlook on life as well,” Ms Canning told People. “And it’s funny — the longer I got to know her, the nicer she became.” But Ms Canning also revealed Bach had money issues. “There were times where she’s like, ‘I’m going to be homeless. I’ve got to get out of this house,’ which never happened,” said Ms Canning. “She would say it was going to happen, and then it didn’t. And I don’t know how she ended up staying there. I don’t know how she kept her bills paid, because she was always saying that, ‘What am I going to do’.” Photo: AP Photo/Jill Connelly, File

10/53Bach, who was best known for her 10-year stint on Baywatch and Knight Rider, both with starred Hasselhoff, as well as The Young and the Restless.

Liam Payne – 1993-2024 – A talented UK singer and songwriter who captured hearts as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction and went on to charm with solo hits like Strip That Down and For You. He died October 16, 2024 after falling from a balcony in an Argentinian hotel. Picture: Getty

11/53Liam Payne – 1993-2024 – A talented UK singer and songwriter who captured hearts as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction and went on to charm with solo hits like Strip That Down and For You. He died October 16, 2024 after falling from a balcony in an Argentinian hotel. Picture: Getty

Gene Hackman – 1930-2025 – The two-time Oscar winner starred in huge films including The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, Hoosiers and Unforgiven. He died around February 18, 2025, reportedly of severe heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s disease and kidney disease. Picture: Supplied

12/53Gene Hackman – 1930-2025 – The two-time Oscar winner starred in huge films including The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, Hoosiers and Unforgiven. He died around February 18, 2025, reportedly of severe heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s disease and kidney disease. Picture: Supplied

Michelle Tratchenberg – 1985-2025 – Appeared in hit shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, plus beloved family film Ice Princess. She died February 26, 2025, reportedly of complications from diabetes mellitus. Picture: Supplied

13/53Michelle Tratchenberg – 1985-2025 – Appeared in hit shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, plus beloved family film Ice Princess. She died February 26, 2025, reportedly of complications from diabetes mellitus. Picture: Supplied

Daniel Williams – 1993-2025 – The ex-drummer of metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was killed in a plane crash. Williams and talent agent Dave Shapiro died in a fireball crash in a San Diego neighbourhood when the private Cessna crashed. Picture: Getty

14/53Daniel Williams – 1993-2025 – The ex-drummer of metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was killed in a plane crash. Williams and talent agent Dave Shapiro died in a fireball crash in a San Diego neighbourhood when the private Cessna crashed. Picture: Getty

Troy Selwood – 1984-2025 – The AFL star, who was the twin brother of former West Coast player Adam and Geelong stars Joel and Scott, played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions. He died February 4, 2025 at the age of 40. Picture: Supplied

15/53Troy Selwood – 1984-2025 – The AFL star, who was the twin brother of former West Coast player Adam and Geelong stars Joel and Scott, played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions. He died February 4, 2025 at the age of 40. Picture: Supplied

Adam Selwood – 1984-2025 – The twin brother of Troy Selwood and former AFL football star died just three months after his twin brother at the age of 41. He died of suicide.

16/53Adam Selwood – 1984-2025 – The twin brother of Troy Selwood and former AFL football star died just three months after his twin brother at the age of 41. He died of suicide.

Damir Dokic – 1958-2025 – The father and former coach of Jelena Dokic, who was believed to be 67, reportedly died in May. He was known most of the abusive relationship he had with his daughter and tennis star Jelena. Tennis Doki/fam

17/53Damir Dokic – 1958-2025 – The father and former coach of Jelena Dokic, who was believed to be 67, reportedly died in May. He was known most of the abusive relationship he had with his daughter and tennis star Jelena. Tennis Doki/fam

Roberta Flack – 1937-2025 – The soul and R & B icon behind Killing Me Softly was idolised for her genre-blending ballads. She died February 24, 2025 of cardiac arrest. Picture: Supplied

18/53Roberta Flack – 1937-2025 – The soul and R & B icon behind Killing Me Softly was idolised for her genre-blending ballads. She died February 24, 2025 of cardiac arrest. Picture: Supplied

Gerard Kennedy – 1932-2025 – The iconic Aussie TV and film star, who appeared in numerous shows and movies such as Division 4,The Flying Doctors,Underbelly, The Mango Tree and Newsfront, died in April at the age of 93. Picture: Supplied.

19/53Gerard Kennedy – 1932-2025 – The iconic Aussie TV and film star, who appeared in numerous shows and movies such as Division 4,The Flying Doctors,Underbelly, The Mango Tree and Newsfront, died in April at the age of 93. Picture: Supplied.

20/53Carl Dean – 1942-2025 – Dolly Parton’s husband of 60 years who inspired the timeless country classic Jolene. He died March 3, 2025. Picture: Supplied

21/53David Lynch – 1946-2025 – Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Lynch was acclaimed for films including Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet and The Elephant Man. He died January 16, 2025 of cardiac arrest, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as the underlying cause, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020 after a lifetime of smoking. Picture: Getty

22/53Robert Walls – 1950-2025 – The Australian football Hall of Fame member, three-time premiership winning player and 1987 premiership winning coach used Victoria’s assisted dying laws to end his life after a long battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. He was 74 years old.

23/53Denis Arndt – 1939- 2025 – The veteran actor, famed for his interrogation scene in Basic Instinct, died aged 86 in March. He reportedly passed away “peacefully” at his home in Ashland, Oregon. Picture: TriStar

24/53Richard Chamberlain – 1934-2025 – The star of film, theatre and television and was known as “The King of the Miniseries” died in March at the age of 90. He died of complications following a stroke. Photo by Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images

25/53Prince Frederik of Luxembourg – 2002-2025 – The Prince of Luxembourg died in March after suffering POLG Mitochondrial disease, which takes energy from the cells in the body and causes multiple organ failure.

26/53Jeff Baena – 1977-2025 – The talented film director saw success with I Heart Huckabees and Horse Girl. He tied the knot with famous actress Aubrey Plaza in 2021. He died January 3, 2025. Picture: Getty

27/53Clem Burke – 1954-2025 – The drummer of iconic rock band Blondie (pictured here on drums with Debbie Harry on mic) died in April after a private battle with cancer.

28/53Brian Montano – 1963-2025 – The former member of iconic US deathmetal band Possessed was killed by police. He was the second member of the band’s who was shot. Montana was reportedly threatening his neighbour with a firearm. Picture: Twitter.

29/53Choi Whee-Sung – 1982-2025 – The popular South Korean singer was found a “significant amount of time” after his death at the age of 43, having reportedly suffered cardiac arrest. Picture: ilgan Sports/Multi-Bits via Getty Images

30/53Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman – 1972-2025 – The actor behind one of Nickelodeon’s earliest movie villains from the film Good Burger died at 52 in February after a short battle with cancer. Photo: Supplied

31/53Jay North – 1951-2025 – North played Dennis the Menace in the beloved 1960s sitcom. He died in April after losing his battle with colon cancer. Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty and David Keeler/Online USA, Inc.

32/53Sophie Nyweide – 2000-2025 – The former child actress, who starred in several film and TV roles including 2015 film Noah and an episode of Law & Orider among other roles, died in April. Photo: Getty Images and Instagram

33/53Millena Brandao – 2013-2025 – Brazilian child star Millena Brandao died aged 11 after suffering from 13 heart attacks. She had made her acting debut in October 2023 on SBT (Brazilian Television System) and had appeared in A infância de Romeu e Julieta, A Caverna Encantada and the Netflix production Sintonia. Picture: Instagram

34/53Young Scooter – 1986-2025 – The rapper died following a run-in with police on his birthday. The 39-year-old Atlanta rapper reportedly injured his leg after fleeing police when he fell on wooden fencing or debris which penetrated his thigh. Picture: YouTube

35/53Maggie Smith – 1934-2024 – The iconic British actress was known for her sharp wit and distinguished performances in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and award-winning films spanning over seven decades. She died September 27, 2024 aged 89. Picture: Supplied

36/53Shannen Doherty – 1971-2024 – Adored for her unforgettable roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, and admired for her courage in openly battling breast cancer. She died July 13, 2024 from cancer, which had returned a year before her death. Picture: Getty

37/53The Vivienne – 1982-2025 – Drag star James Lee Williams shot to international fame as the winner of the first UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The Vivienne died January 5, 2025, although an inquest had been opened due to a reported “unnatural cause of death”. Picture: Supplied

38/53Jiggy Caliente – 1980-2025 – The RuPaul’s Drag Race star, who’s birth name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, died following a leg amputation at the age of 44. She shot to fame on season 4 of Drag Race, before becoming a judge in the Philippines version of the show.

39/53Marianne Faithfull – 1946-2025 – The legendary British singer, songwriter, and actress was known for her haunting voice and tumultuous career, with iconic hits like As Tears Go By. She died January 30, 2025. Picture: Getty

40/53Nicky Katt – 1970-2025 – The actor, known for his roles in the likes of Dazed and Confused, Boiler Room, and TV show Boston Public, died at the age of 54 in April. His cause of death was listed as suicide. Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

41/53Lee Joo-sil – 1944-2025 – The South Korean actress was known for playing Hwang Jun-ho’s mother in the second season of Squid Game. She died February 2, 2025 from stomach cancer. Picture: Netflix

42/53Broderick Shepherd – 1992-2025 – The Australian wrestler, who went by the name of Australian Suicide, died in Mexico in March. He reportedly went into cardiac arrest weeks after he fell down a staircase and suffered a blow to his head, but didn't seek medical attention. He collapsed while shopping in a market in Mexico City with his family, hitting his head again. Photo: Instagram

43/53Christian Juttner – 1964-2025 – One of the most iconic Disney actors who starred in Return From Witch Mountain and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. He died at his home on November 29, 2024 at the age of 60. Picture: Getty

44/53Samuel French – 1980-2025 – The Texas-born actor best known for his turn in Martin Scorsese‘s Killers of The Flower Moon, passed away in May at the age of 45. He lost a years-long battle with cancer which had spread through his body.

45/53Lynne Marie Stewart – 1946-2025 – The actress was widely known for her iconic performance as Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land, on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. She died February 21, 2025 from cancer. Picture: Getty

46/53Adam Hunter – 1981-2025 – The West Coast premiership hero played 151 games at the Eagles across eight seasons. He died February 2025 in his home in what police called “tragic circumstances”. Picture: Supplied

47/53Richard Zachariah – 1945-2025 – The TV and radio star died in April, just four months after his former partner, co-host and renowned fashion icon Maggie Tabberer died. Photo: KATE DOWLER

48/53Jill Sobule – 1959-2025 – The folk pop artist, the first songwriter to crack the US top 20 with an openly gay song, tragically died at 66 in a house fire.

49/53Luke Trembath – 1986-2025 – The larger than life Australian snowboarder was known fondly as ‘The Dingo’. He died February 28, 2025. Picture: Instagram

50/53Paris Pompor – 1967-2025 – The legendary Australian radio star died aged 58 on his birthday. The Canberra-born DJ was a national voice for the arts, music and film industries. Picture: Facebook

51/53Kim Sae-ron – 2000-2025 – The South Korean actress gained widespread recognition for her versatile performances in notable films The Man From Nowhere and Mirror of the Witch. She died February 16, 2025. Picture: AFP

52/53Angie Stone – 1961-2025 – The American singer, songwriter, and producer was known for her powerful voice and contributions to the neo-soul genre, with hits like No More Rain. She died March 1, 2025 in a car accident after leaving a show. Picture: Supplied

53/53Tony Healey – 1969-2025 – A well-respected Aussie actor and television personality, known for his memorable roles in popular series like Home and Away and All Saints. He died February 13, 2025 after a long battle with illness. Picture: Supplied

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