George Wendt, who gained fame portraying Norm on the beloved television series “Cheers,” was recently honored in his hometown of Beverly, Illinois, with a street named in his memory. This tribute highlights Wendt’s deep familial roots and the pride his community takes in his legacy. Despite his passing in May, Wendt’s memory was celebrated with a memorial mass and a street dedication ceremony, underscoring the impact he had on family, friends, and fans alike.
The street, now officially known as George Wendt Way, is a heartfelt acknowledgment not just of the actor’s storied career but also of the family connections that shaped him. His niece, Erin Muldoon Stetson, expressed her gratitude at the dedication ceremony, stating, “I love that the street is named George Wendt Way because I feel like it’s a nod to his dad too, ‘Bumpa,’ my grandfather George Wendt Senior, who was so proud of George and all he accomplished.”
Though rain threatened the day’s events, spirits remained high among the large crowd of family and supporters. Wendt’s sister, Marti, shared a humorous take on the weather, saying, “When I woke up today, it was to thunder outside my window and I thought, Oh poor Marti, George’s sister, who’s going to be so upset about this, and the first thing she tells me when I saw her at church is, ‘This is George’s kind of weather!’”
Wendt’s wife, Bernadette Birkette, fondly recounted how they met 50 years ago while he was honing his comedy skills at “The Second City.” She described him as a generous and kind-minded person who deserved all the love he received, saying, “If he was here, he’d be in shorts and a tee-shirt!”
Interestingly, Wendt was not originally cast as a main character on “Cheers.” His role as Norm began almost by accident when he initially appeared as an extra in the show’s first episode. Over time, he became one of the most memorable characters on television, later gaining further fame as a Chicago Bears “superfan” on “Saturday Night Live.”
As the tribute concluded, family members and friends remembered Wendt not just for his television persona but for the warm-hearted and genuine man he was. Bernadette reflected, “George drank most of his beer at home, not at a bar,” a testament to his down-to-earth nature and connection to everyday life.
George Wendt’s legacy, characterized by humor, kindness, and deep familial connections, continues to resonate with those who knew him, reinforcing the notion that the most cherished memories often extend beyond our public identities.