Overview

• George Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at age 76, his family confirmed.
• At the May 30 Big Slick Celebrity Weekend for Children’s Mercy Hospital, Sudeikis described Wendt as warm, kind and an ‘‘incredible influence’’ who taught him that acting was a viable career.
• During a celebrity softball game, Sudeikis honored his uncle by wearing a Kansas City Royals jersey emblazoned with ‘‘Wendt 76.’’
• Fellow panelists Rob Riggle and Paul Rudd recalled Wendt’s consistent participation in the annual event and said his absence will be keenly felt.
• Before starring as Norm Peterson on Cheers for 11 seasons, Wendt honed his comic skills at Chicago’s Second City, leaving a lasting legacy in television and community philanthropy.