An unforgettable TV icon is gone. A heartfelt tribute follows the passing of a beloved sitcom star whose role defined an era of American television comedy.
George Wendt, the actor who famously portrayed Norm Peterson on NBC’s iconic sitcom “Cheers,” died at 76. Known for his dry wit and everyman appeal, Wendt helped anchor one of television’s most enduring ensemble casts.
According to The New York Post, Wendt died “peacefully in his sleep while at home” on May 20, 2025. A representative for his family confirmed the news, calling him “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.”
Ted Danson, who starred alongside Wendt on “Cheers,” expressed his grief in a statement to The Post, “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.”
The family representative said Wendt’s loved ones have asked for privacy as they mourn his loss. “Cheers” co-star John Ratzenberger also shared a heartfelt statement, calling Wendt “my friend” and reflecting on their years together.
Speaking to ABC News, he said, “For eleven years on ‘Cheers,’ we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships. George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”
Ratzenberger remembered Wendt as “a true craftsman,” praising his humility, sense of humor, and generous spirit. He noted that Wendt’s real-life personality mirrored his on-screen presence, marked by “impeccable comedic timing” and strong loyalty to those close to him.
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Reflecting on their long friendship, he said he would miss their personal conversations and “the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most,” extending his thoughts to Wendt’s wife Bernadette Birkett, their children, and all who loved him.
Wendt was last seen publicly on January 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. According to The Mirror, he was photographed getting out of a car with his wife while using a cane.
Details about his condition remained largely private, but he had reportedly experienced complications related to his weight, including a past hospitalization for chest pains and coronary bypass surgery. These health issues had affected his mobility in later years.
Public concern about his health had surfaced earlier. During a “Cheers” cast reunion at the ATX TV Festival in June 2023 — held to mark the 30th anniversary of the show’s finale — his appearance drew noticeable attention. While the event celebrated the sitcom’s legacy, some viewers expressed alarm in comments shared online.
One viewer wrote, “The guy on the right, George Wendt, looks like he needs to go to the doctors for jaundice.” Another posted, “Is George ok 😳 he looks dead.” A third person remarked, “Good lord, George Wendt looks absolutely awful 😣.”
A fourth remarked on Wendt’s longstanding weight issues and speculated that he may have faced related health problems in recent years. Another expressed sadness over his physical appearance, particularly his eyes, and shared admiration for the comedy dynamic between Norm and Cliff.
Others reacted more positively, with one viewer writing, “George Wendt has recovered well 🙏.” One commenter reflected on the imagined experience of spending time with Wendt and Ratzenberger, expressing nostalgia for their off-screen camaraderie.
Another noted Wendt’s hairstyle, complimenting his appearance. One person also shared their affection for the character Norm, responding enthusiastically to a clip from the show.
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While fans mourn the loss of Wendt, another tragedy has struck — this time involving a young athlete whose life ended just weeks after a major victory.
Braun Levi, an 18-year-old tennis standout from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was killed early Sunday morning, May 4, in a suspected DUI-related accident in Manhattan Beach. The tragic news comes shortly after his latest championship win and ahead of his anticipated graduation, leaving a tight-knit school and wider sports community in mourning.
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Loyola recently honored Levi for reaching the top national ranks in boys’ tennis. Additionally, just days before his death, he and his teammate, Cooper Schwartz, won their fourth straight Mission League doubles championship.
A celebratory photo showed the smiling pair proudly holding up four fingers, symbolizing each of their victories. These triumphs came only a few months after the Levi family was displaced by a January fire that destroyed their Pacific Palisades home. Since then, they relocated to South Bay.
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Sadly, his promise was cut short last weekend when the Manhattan Beach police reported the arrest of a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman on suspicion of driving under the influence and homicide.
Responding to a call at 12:46 a.m. regarding a pedestrian struck in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard, police arrived at the scene and discovered the victim lying in the street.
The driver, identified as Jenia Belt, was taken into custody and remained in the Manhattan Beach jail without bail as of Sunday on charges of DUI and murder.
Public records revealed that Belt had a prior DUI arrest on November 25, 2023. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage in September 2024 through a plea deal; this resulted in the dismissal of the DUI-related charges.
However, the California DMV had already suspended her license on January 18, 2024, because she had allegedly driven with an excessive blood alcohol level.
Her license was still suspended at the time of the crash. Later, authorities confirmed that Levi had been walking with a friend when the collision occurred. A witness told reporters he was ahead of Levi when he heard the crash and turned around to find the teen on the ground.
The accident scene showed a damaged silver Infiniti SUV with a shattered windshield. As of Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office had not yet received the formal case submission from the police, and efforts to reach Belt’s public defender from her prior case were unsuccessful.
Loyola Principal Jamal Adams informed students and faculty via email about the tragic news of Levi’s death in a traffic accident that had occurred just hours earlier.
“Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” he wrote. He also announced a prayer vigil to be held on campus that evening, “All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance.”
Many of Levi’s stunned classmates, school staff, and friends gathered in Loyola’s Caruso Hall Sunday evening for the candlelight vigil. Hundreds attended in person, while thousands more joined via live stream.
The school’s choir performed “On Eagles Wings” and “I Am Loyola,” and heartfelt words were shared by those closest to Levi. Assistant Principal Paul Jordan referred to him as an “inspiration.” He also noted that Levi was a friend to everyone he knew and that knowing him had made them all better individuals.
Tennis Coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics, said in an email, “Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.”
Held also revealed that Levi, the tennis team captain for three years, was the player with possibly the most awards and honors in the school’s history.
After the news spread, tributes flooded Levi’s social media pages. One person wrote that anyone who had the opportunity to know Levi was fortunate. They added that he never treated anyone like a stranger and made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Someone else shared that he made an impact, whether people knew him briefly or for a long time. They also noted that it was impossible to feel sad or bored when Levi was around.
Additionally, photos shared online painted a picture of a vibrant life. Levi wading in lakes, hugging friends on the beach, posing with Adam Sandler, and grinning in a pink suit at a horse racing track.
The Southern California community is in mourning. A video shared by Fox LA reporter Matthew Seedorff showed a tribute set up at the beach in Levi’s memory.
His friend Erik Logan Toppenberg described him as “a force of nature wrapped in kindness, energy, and pure light.” He added, “He didn’t just walk into a room — he ignited it.”
Maccabi USA posted a tribute to the late teen, noting that Levi competed in the 2022 Maccabiah in Israel and supported his sister, Adelle, who played on the U18 Girls Soccer team. The group remembered Levi as a team captain, a student council leader, a Big Brother mentor, and a cherished member of their sports family.
Levi is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Daniel, and his sister. Even though his life was short, it profoundly impacted everyone he knew. This tragedy is just one more reminder to live life to the fullest.
