BBC Breakfast was back on Wednesday morning with Roger Johnson and Sarah Campbell at the helm
BBC Breakfast was back on Wednesday, hosted by Roger Johnson and Sarah Campbell.
During the latest episode, 56-year-old Roger took a moment to share some unfortunate news with viewers, stating: “Some sad news from the United States from late last night.
“George Wendt, who starred in the popular comedy series Cheers has died at the age of 76” he announced, as BBC Breakfast aired clips of George portraying Norm Peterson in Cheers.
Sarah then added: “He did of course play the character of Norm Peterson in every episode of the show, earning him six Emmy nominations.
BBC Breakfast returned on Wednesday with Roger Johnson and Sarah Campbell hosting the show(Image: BBC)
“It’s estimated 40% of the US population watched its finale in 1993. His family said: ‘He died peacefully at home in his sleep.'”, reports Devon Live.
This follows a statement given to the Hollywood Reporter by a representative, who shared the sorrowful news: “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.”
In addition to Cheers, the late father-of-three also portrayed the beloved character in the short-lived spin-off The Tortellis, an episode of Wings, and an episode of the successful Cheers spin-off, Frasier.
The late actor’s filmography includes roles in Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plain Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).
Actor George Wendt, famed for his role as Norm Peterson in Cheers, has sadly passed away at the age of 76(Image: 1989 CBS Photo Archive)
One of George’s last television appearances was in 2023, when he participated in the ninth season of The Masked Singer US as “Moose”, a performance that saw him largely seated. He was eliminated on “’80s Night” alongside Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, who was disguised as “Scorpio”.
George also made an unexpected appearance on stage at the 2024 Emmy Awards, reuniting with his Cheers co-stars. The actor’s passing has prompted tributes from celebrities, including Ted Danson, his former co-star from the popular NBC sitcom.
Ted, who played Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom, said in a statement that he was “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.”
The Good Place actor told PEOPLE: “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.”
BBC Breakfast continues each day at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
