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George Wendt, beloved for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on the iconic television show Cheers, was more than just a steady presence at the bar; he was at the center of some remarkable behind-the-scenes moments that showcase the vibrant spirit and camaraderie of the cast.
Recently, Wendt passed away at the age of 76, following health complications. His journey on Cheers began in 1982, where he stood out with a simple yet powerful audition that revolved around a single word—’beer.’
This mild-mannered character quickly transformed into a cultural icon during the 1980s, thanks to Wendt’s exceptional comedic timing and authentic performance. Last year, Wendt gathered with former co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast titled Where Everybody Knows Your Name. They fondly reminisced about the hilarious pranks and antics that unfolded while filming the series, often reflecting the playful dynamic their characters shared.
Jokes and Pranks on Set
The light-hearted pranks were a hallmark of the production. Danson recalled how the cast would secretly observe their colleagues struggling with difficult lines during rehearsals. Instead of offering support, the actors would resort to shooting spitballs at their fellow cast members. Danson shared an amusingly embarrassing incident, noting, “And there was actually a shot, I think, or at least this is the urban legend, where you can see a spitball in your hairline where one of us had managed to land one while you were doing your [speech].”
Wendt humorously chimed in, remembering a moment when he hit Danson right in the uvula. This playful interaction epitomized the camaraderie that defined the show.
A Memorable Last Episode
In a heartfelt flashback, Danson narrated the day the cast appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno following Cheers’ final episode in 1993. The crew had enjoyed a few drinks prior to going live, leading to an unforgettable moment when Leno met their inebriated presence. “What do you do at a bar? You start drinking, and later you start smoking, so by the time literally that Jay Leno, he looked up from his notes, and they were going, ‘five, four, three, two…’ he looked up and saw us all really for the first time and his eyes start to spin going, ‘Oh my—’ We got a lot of s— for that, remember?” Danson recounted.
Wendt humorously reflected, suggesting it could have been one of Leno’s first and last live shows, given their less-than-stellar condition.
The Art of Keeping It Fresh
With a background rooted in improvisational theater from Second City in Chicago, Wendt shared insights into maintaining the show’s vibrant energy throughout its 11-season run. The cast avoided excessive rehearsals, which contributed to the spontaneity that fans loved. At times, Wendt would look at his fellow actor John Ratzenberger and jokingly question their next scene interactions. “After a while, John and I would be sitting there next to each other – I’m talking about year eight or nine – and they’d go, ‘OK, next scene, standby,’ and I’d look at John and say, ‘Any idea?’ He’d go, ‘Nope.’ ”
Pranks That Made a Mark
Danson recounted an incident with Harrelson, who fell victim to Wendt and Kirstie Alley’s prank around six months after Danson had pantsed Harrelson during a show. One day, Wendt knocked on Harrelson’s dressing room door, asking to come in and shave while Harrelson was in the shower. As soon as the door opened, Wendt and Alley captured a revealing moment on Polaroid, later revealing it to the cast at the wrap party.
Such pranks were not uncommon on set—often leading to laughter and unforgettable memories. During a reunion event in 2023, the cast shared another story involving a legendary gift they decided to buy for Alley as a welcoming surprise when she joined the show. While on a trip, Wendt and Ratzenberger impulsively purchased a rather unexpected gift—a shotgun.
Wendt recounted the absurdity of the moment, stating, “And, like you, I laughed for about five minutes. And then immediately pulled into the parking lot, and we bought her a freakin’ shotgun… John and I were never tasked with the gifts again.”
Hooky from Work
In another memorable tale, Wendt shared an instance when he, Danson, and Harrelson decided to skip work during an episode focused heavily on the female characters. Wendt humorously described the getaway that ensued, with an eager Harrelson wanting to showcase his new boat. The trio concocted a plan, claiming illness to the show’s producers while enjoying a day at sea.
Danson shared, “I think somebody said, ‘I’m seasick, heh heh.’” As they ventured out, they experienced the aftereffects of a hurricane, leading to a chaotic trip that none would forget. Wendt humorously admitted his seasickness throughout the ordeal while recalling Danson’s struggle to stay calm.
Heartfelt Memories
While the show was filled with humor, the cast also had deeper, more sentimental moments. Danson reminisced about Nicholas Colasanto, who portrayed Coach. Reflecting on Colasanto’s passing during the third season, Danson shared how the crew honored Colasanto’s memory by noting his heartfelt message on set, which resonated with them all during their time together.
As circumstances unfolded over the years, the actors maintained a bond that transcended mere workplace camaraderie. Danson expressed his sorrow over Wendt’s passing in a recent statement, revealing the profound impact Wendt had on all their lives. “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. 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.”
Wendt’s legacy, marked by laughter and love, will undoubtedly be remembered by both his colleagues and the millions of fans who adored him.
