George Wendt Way Unveiled in Chicago Hometown

Chicago's Beverly neighborhood just said a heartfelt "Cheers!" to its most famous son, George Wendt, unveiling an honorary street named after the beloved "Norm" actor.

TL;DR

Iconic "Cheers" actor George Wendt has been honored with "Honorary George Wendt Way" in his childhood neighborhood of Beverly, Chicago.
A large crowd of family, friends, and fans gathered to remember Wendt, who passed away in May, celebrating his life and lasting impact.
The dedication highlighted Wendt's genuine personality, his Chicago roots at Second City, and his beloved role as Norm Peterson.

A Hometown "Cheers" for a Legendary Figure in Beverly, Chicago

If you're anything like us, you probably remember George Wendt best as Norm Peterson from the classic sitcom "Cheers." For eleven seasons, he was the guy everyone loved, the guy who always had a witty comeback and a fresh beer waiting for him at the bar. But in his hometown of Beverly, Illinois, George Wendt was so much more than a TV character – he was family, a friend, and a cherished part of the community fabric. And now, his legacy is literally etched into the streets!

This past Sunday, a special ceremony took place in Beverly to unveil "Honorary George Wendt Way." The new street sign marks Bell Avenue between 91st Street and 92nd Place, right in front of the house where Wendt grew up. It’s a touching tribute to the actor who passed away in May at 76, leaving behind a world that adored him.

Remembering George: A Day Full of Heartfelt Tributes and Anecdotes

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Even a little rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of family, friends, neighbors, and fans who gathered for the dedication. In fact, many saw it as perfectly fitting! Bishop Larry Sullivan, who was present, recounted a conversation with George's sister, Marti. "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," Bishop Sullivan shared. "And the first thing she tells me when I saw her at church is, 'This is George's kind of weather!'"

It sounds like Wendt preferred comfort over formality, a sentiment echoed by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who said he'd "be in shorts and a T-shirt" if he were there. The event began with a special mass, followed by a walk to the street unveiling. Well-wishes even came from bar patrons at the original "Cheers" bar in Boston, showing just how far his beloved character's reach extended.

"He deserved to be loved because he was a wonderful person. He was so generous and so kind and really so funny. If he was here, he’d be in shorts and a tee-shirt!"

– Bernadette Birkett, George Wendt's wife.

Beyond the Barstool: George Wendt's Real-Life Kindness and Humor

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While Norm Peterson was practically synonymous with a barstool and a beer, George Wendt was much more down-to-earth. His wife, Bernadette, lovingly revealed, "George drank most of his beer at home, not at a bar." This intimate detail speaks volumes about the private man behind the public persona.

His niece, Erin Muldoon Stetson, beautifully articulated the family's pride: "George has become loved by the whole world... And we couldn't be prouder, most of all because he always stayed true to himself behind the scenes." She also touched on his family roots, noting that "George Wendt Way" is a nod to his father, George Wendt Senior, "Bumpa," who was immensely proud of his son's achievements.

Bernadette, who met George 50 years ago, also described him as "so generous and so kind and really so funny." These personal tributes paint a picture of a man whose warmth and humor extended far beyond the characters he played.

From Second City Stages to Iconic TV Roles: Wendt's Chicago Roots

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George Wendt's journey to becoming a household name started right in Chicago. He honed his comedic chops at "The Second City," the legendary improv theater, where he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett. Fun fact: Bernadette even lent her voice to Norm's unseen wife, Vera, on "Cheers!"

His sister, Marti Wendt, shared an interesting tidbit about his most famous role: "When they started the show, he didn't actually have a character. He was just supposed to be an extra, and then it grew into Norm, I think the first episode." Imagine that! A background extra who became one of TV's most beloved figures.

Beyond "Cheers," Wendt also gained fame for his hilarious "superfan" skits on "Saturday Night Live," celebrating his loyalty to the Chicago Bears. Even after moving to Los Angeles to further his acting career, he remained deeply connected to Chicago, often returning home and staying a daily reader of the Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune. He even worked as a copy boy for the Sun-Times in college, following in his grandfather's footsteps, who was a photo editor for the paper.

His connection was so strong that when he was on tour for his 2009 book, "Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional's Guide to Beer," he briefly lived with his niece in Beverly, jokingly calling himself their "gentleman boarder."

The Lasting Legacy of a Beverly Original and Hollywood Star

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The idea for this honorary street came from George's sister, Marti Doherty, who still lives in the neighborhood and wanted to honor her brother on the block where they grew up. Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th Ward), who grew up nearby, quickly supported the plan, stating, "When Marti Doherty calls, you listen."

The unveiling of "Honorary George Wendt Way" isn't just about celebrating a TV star; it's about acknowledging a local son who never forgot his roots. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of a truly kind, funny, and genuine individual who, despite his worldwide fame, remained the lovable George from Beverly. As Bernadette Birkett proudly stated, "This is just really amazing, the way he touched so many people. He deserved to be this loved." And loved he certainly was, and continues to be.

FAQ: Your Questions About George Wendt Way Answered

Where is the "Honorary George Wendt Way" located? The honorary street is located in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, specifically Bell Avenue between 91st Street and 92nd Place. This is the block where George Wendt grew up. When did George Wendt pass away? George Wendt passed away in May of this year at the age of 76 from a heart attack in his California home. Did George Wendt's wife, Bernadette Birkett, also appear on "Cheers"? Yes, in a way! Bernadette Birkett provided the voice for Norm Peterson's unseen wife, Vera, on "Cheers." What was George Wendt's connection to "The Second City"? George Wendt began his comedy career at "The Second City" in Chicago, a renowned improvisational comedy theater. It's where he honed his skills and met his wife, Bernadette Birkett.