Last month, we reported that the former Cheers star George Wendt had died at the age of 76. Now, Wendt’s official cause of death has finally been revealed.
Wendt’s Cause Of Death
Wendt passed away on May 20. According to documents obtained by Fox News, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has listed Wendt’s immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest.
Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension were also listed as underlying causes of his death. According to TMZ, end-stage renal disease (kidney failure) and hyperlipidemia were additional contributing factors.
A family representative previously said that Wendt died “peacefully in his sleep.”
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the representative said after Wendt’s death. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Related: Sad Details Emerge About Death Of George Wendt After Former ‘Cheers’ Star Passes Away At 71
Wendt’s Past Health Issues
Sadly, Wendt suffered various health struggles over the course of his final years. In 2012, he was hospitalized for chest pains. After getting surgery that same year, Wendt had issues with mobility that were attributed to weight gain. At the time, a source close to Wendt said that the former Cheers star had “difficulty walking for a while because of his weight.”
Wendt later had to undergo coronary bypass surgery after doctors found a constricted artery. This prevented him from performing in a local production in Chicago, Illinois.
Back in November, Daily Mail obtained photos of Wendt in a wheelchair being pushed into a dialysis clinic in Sherman Oaks, California. He spent three hours inside receiving treatment before being wheeled out hugging a pillow. Birkett picked him up and brought him to their car before they drove away. The exact health issue that led to Wendt being given dialysis has never been revealed.
Wendt was known to be extremely private about his health. He was last seen publicly in January, when he was spotted getting out of a car with his wife Bernadette Birkett, who he was married to for 47 years. At the time, Wendt was using a cane for assistance, and he was also leaning on the car.
Wendt Honored By Cheers Co-Stars
Wendt was best known for playing Norm Peterson on all 275 episodes of the beloved television show Cheers from 1982 until 1993. During that time, Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role.
Wendt’s former Cheers co-stars have been speaking out to honor him in the wake of his death.
“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Ted Danson told The Hollywood Reporter. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
Related: Ted Danson Admits He Broke Down In Tears After Watching First Episode Of ‘Cheers’
Kelsey Grammer issued a brief statement, saying, “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”
The former Cheers star Rhea Perlman had a similar tribute for Wendt.
“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met,” she said.
Wendt was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. While it’s devastating that he is no longer with us, Wendt will always live on through his hilarious work on Cheers.
Rest in peace, George Wendt.
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