Official records confirm what caused the “Cheers” star’s death, nearly three weeks after he was found unresponsive at home.
George Wendt died of cardiac arrest, with multiple underlying health conditions, according to his death certificate released on Thursday, June 5, 2025, by Los Angeles County officials.
The certificate, obtained by TMZ from the Department of Public Health, lists congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as contributing factors. Additional conditions included end-stage renal disease and hyperlipidemia, a disorder related to high cholesterol.
Wendt was pronounced dead at 10 a.m. on May 20 at his home, where he reportedly passed peacefully in his sleep. He was 76. His cremation took place on May 28.
In the final days of his life, signs of Wendt’s declining health became more visible. Earlier this year, he was seen in public with a cane, as reported by The Mirror on May 21.
Wendt was also seen in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, during a visit to a local dialysis clinic. According to photos published by the Daily Mail in November 2024, a caretaker wheeled the actor into the facility, where he reportedly underwent three hours of treatment.
Dressed in a flannel shirt, shorts, and sneakers, Wendt appeared visibly frail and weary, requiring assistance throughout the visit. As he exited the clinic, he clutched a pillow while his wife of 45 years, actress Bernadette Birkett, 78, helped him into their vehicle.
In the years leading up to that moment, Wendt had largely stepped away from the spotlight. He made occasional appearances, including a stint on “The Masked Singer” and a reunion with the “Cheers” cast at the 2024 Emmy Awards. Before his clinic visit, he was last seen in public in September 2022 near his Los Angeles home.
Though he had not recently spoken publicly about his health, Wendt experienced a serious medical scare in 2012. While preparing for a stage production of “The Odd Couple” in Skokie, Illinois, he was hospitalized due to chest pains.
Tests revealed a severely constricted artery, and Wendt underwent successful coronary bypass surgery at a Chicago-area hospital. At the time, his manager, Geoff Cheddy, said Wendt made a full recovery. “George and his family send heart-felt [sic] thanks to all the well-wishers,” Cheddy told the Chicago Tribune.
In a typical display of humor, Wendt replied to personal emails joking that doctors found “a piece of Polish sausage lodged in my artery,” calling it a “coronary kielbosis.”
Earlier in his career, Wendt also spoke candidly about his weight. In a 1994 interview with TV Guide, quoted by The Vindicator, he acknowledged carrying more weight than recommended by insurance charts.
Reflecting on the sudden death of fellow comedian John Candy, he admitted, “It definitely crossed my mind, but I don’t know if anything is going to change.”
News of Wendt’s death quickly prompted heartfelt tributes from his co-stars.
A representative for his family confirmed the news, calling the TV star “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.” His colleagues also shared messages of sadness and remembrance.
Ted Danson, who starred alongside Wendt on “Cheers,” expressed his grief in a statement to The New York 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.
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, 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.
At the time, details about his condition remained largely private, but he had reportedly experienced complications related to his weight, which affected his mobility in later years.
Public concern about Wendt’s health had also 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.
