Jason Sudeikis Pays Tribute to His Late Uncle, George Wendt
Jason Sudeikis has spoken out following the death of his uncle, Cheers star George Wendt.
The 49-year-old star of Ted Lasso discussed Wendt, who passed away on May 20 at 76, during an interview with Kansas City’s KSHB 41 on Friday, May 31. While at the Big Slick, a fundraising event hosted by the outlet, Sudeikis addressed condolences from a journalist at the Kansas City Star. (Wendt was a frequent celebrity guest at the Big Slick’s annual event.)
“Well, thank you … yes, he was an incredible person,” Sudeikis, who was onstage with Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and other notable figures, remarked. When his mic cut out, Riggle provided him with a replacement, prompting Sudeikis to quip, “That’s him, messing with the soundboard. He’s like, ‘Don’t talk about me.’ Just typical, Midwestern humility.”
Sudeikis continued, “Regarding my uncle George, you know, there’s that saying, ‘Don’t meet your heroes,’ usually because they let you down, but he’s not one of those. He was just as fun, kind, and warm as any character he portrayed on TV or in films, and he was a tremendous influence on me, showing that acting can truly be a viable career if you are passionate about it.”
Sudeikis noted that acting helped Wendt nurture his family. “It’s also a career where you can find the love of your life, like his wife, a.k.a. permanent girlfriend, Bernadette [Birkett]. He always kept his family close to him, maintaining strong ties to his roots in Chicago, of course, and the time he spent here.”
He added, “We miss him greatly” and expressed his deep love for him.
Riggle took the opportunity to honor Wendt, sharing with the audience that “George was always eager to participate” in the Big Slick and was “always enjoyable to be around.”
Rudd, 56, also shared his thoughts. “His absence is felt here … he is as much a part of this as any of us. He was a truly sweet man. I love him,” he stated.
A representative for Wendt verified the news of the actor’s passing in a statement to Us Weekly last month: “Beloved actor and comedian George Wendt, best known for his role on the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away,” the statement read. “George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, reporting he died peacefully in his sleep at home. George was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed forever.”
Wendt began his career as a comedian with The Second City in the 1970s before shifting to television acting. He had various guest roles on shows like Taxi, Alice, and Hart to Hart in the 1980s before landing the iconic role of Norm Peterson on Cheers in 1982.
