City West Journal

George Wendt, remembered for his contributions to theater and television, was a beloved figure among his peers. Known for his role as Norm in the TV series "Cheers," Wendt also had a significant impact on the stage. BJ Jones, Northlight Artistic Director, reflects on Wendt's career and character.

"My friend, George Wendt, was as kind and thoughtful a human being as walked on this planet," Jones said. He praised Wendt's work ethic both at Northlight Theatre in Chicago and on Broadway. According to Jones, Wendt was "a true man of the theatre" who worked not only in New York but also in London and Ireland.

Wendt took risks by participating in world premieres that challenged audiences' perceptions of him beyond his television persona. His performance in "Funnyman" by Bruce Graham was particularly noted by friends and audiences alike.

Jones recalled personal anecdotes from their friendship, including attempts at barbecuing a Turducken during the run of "Rounding Third." When health issues arose during rehearsals for Neil Simon’s "Odd Couple," Marc Grapey stepped in to cover for Wendt.

"The morning of his procedure," Jones recounted an exchange between them where Wendt tried to convince his surgeon to let him perform despite medical advice against it. However, understudy Grapey successfully took over the role.

Wendt's dedication extended beyond professional obligations; he valued personal connections deeply. "So many people knew George, and he knew them," Jones noted about Wendt's impressive memory for names and experiences.

Despite Hollywood success, Wendt often performed at Skokie's Northlight Theatre for less pay because he loved being on stage every night. As Tim Kazurinsky remarked to Jones: "He loved being on stage every night."

After hearing about Wendt's passing through NBC’s national news coverage amidst other global headlines like “the Big Beautiful Bill” or events from Gaza—Jones reflected on how these moments highlighted humanity during challenging times.

Wendt frequently attended Comic Cons with humor referring it as “the Norm Petting Zoo,” which allowed him flexibility working with smaller theaters financially constrained yet artistically fulfilling roles such as those offered by storefront theatres paying modestly around $100 weekly wages similar reasons led himself doing commercials too according Martha Lavey late Artistic Director Steppenwolf describing him rightly so indeed ‘Man Of The Theatre’.

Jones concluded expressing gratitude towards George’s contribution uplifting Northlight adding fond memories shared together quoting frequently lines from films they enjoyed like Johnny Olaf said ‘One-by-one our old friends are gone’ Godfather referencing poignant reminder legacy left behind glowing brighter thanks influence spirit embodied life lived fully dedicated craft artistry family love cherished dearly throughout journey unforgettable truly remarkable impactful ways touched lives countless others fortunate enough cross paths along way forever grateful privilege knowing working alongside dear friend colleague mentor inspirational figure industry admired respected universally appreciated wholeheartedly missed dearly remembered always fondly eternally grateful debt owed immense appreciation admiration sincere heartfelt tribute honoring legacy celebrating achievements commemorating life lived fullest fullest potential highest regard deepest respect admiration endearment everlasting 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