'Cheers' star George Wendt, 76, sparked fears he was 'eating himself to death' as he battled heart issues
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: George Wendt, known for playing Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom 'Cheers', died at the age of 76 on Tuesday, May 20.
The official cause of his death is still unknown, but RadarOnline reported that the actor had struggled with health issues for years before his death.
George Wendt had to undergo coronary bypass surgery for a severely constricted artery
The outlet said that George Wendt had a history of cardiovascular problems and he had to go to the hospital in 2012 because of chest pains. The issue even prevented him from becoming a part of a production of ‘The Odd Couple’.
Later, it was found that he had a severely constricted artery, for which he underwent coronary bypass surgery. The ‘Strange Bedfellows’ star also faced mobility challenges due to his weight.
Following his appearance at the Emmys in 2024, a source shared, “George has been having difficulty walking for a while because of his weight, but now he’s practically hobbled. His breathing sounds labored, and he looks like he’s going to faint at any moment.”
Physician said George Wendt needed to ‘make lifestyle changes immediately’
Dr Gabe Mirkin, who was not George Wendt’s doctor, even claimed that the actor's “in big trouble. He has massive abdominal obesity, which means the odds are very strong he is already diabetic or pre-diabetic.”
“That would significantly increase his risk for heart attack, dementia, stroke, kidney and liver failure, and worse... he needs to make lifestyle changes immediately,” Mirkin added.
Another source revealed that Wendt weighed 350 pounds (159 kg) at one point and that his friends feared he was "eating himself to death."
“Someone with his health history should wise up. Clearly, he’s been pigging out on the wrong foods and probably guzzling beer, a favorite pastime. But George isn’t getting any younger, and he may not have much time left unless he turns it around soon,” they mentioned.
George Wendt remembered as a 'doting family man' after death
Meanwhile, following George Wendt’s death, his family said in a statement, “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,” they added.
'Cheers' co-star Rhea Perlman said, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him... What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”
Wendt's other co-star Ted Danson expressed, “I am sending all my love to (Wendt's wife) Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
