How were Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt related? All you need to know about the actors' special relation

It is a little-known fact that SNL alum and Horrible Bosses star Jason Sudeikis is related to Cheers’ George Wendt. In fact, Sudeikis is the son of Wendt’s sister, Kathryn Wendt Sudeikis, making Jason his nephew.

Just last year, Wendt made an appearance on an episode of the Still Here Hollywood podcast with Steve Kmetko, where he gushed about Jason’s character and ability to entertain.

"He's such a great kid. Very proud. Proud especially, you know, not only of the success, but he's solid. Have you read profiles and stuff? I mean he is... so smart, so thoughtful."

Jason has also shown support for his famous uncle, including sharing when he shared an unforgettable story from his childhood involving his uncle’s BMW in the winding hills of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles.

The Chicago native Wendt sadly died Tuesday morning at his home at the age of 76.

Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt’s Conan appearance

While the pair never co-starred in a project after Jason became established in the industry, they did in fact make an appearance together on a Late Night With Conan O'Brien holiday sketch in 1998. In it, Wendt and O’Brien thought up a bit that centered around the fact that Wendt would be missing out on dinner with his family due to his appearance on the show. As a trade-off Wendt asks if he could have the holiday dinner with his family on set, and invites them up in front of the cameras.

This group included Wendt’s sister Kathy and her son, Jason Sudeikis. During the sketch, Jason had several back and forth moments with his uncle, and unbeknownst to the audience, they were witnessing the birth of a star.

When speaking with Steve Kmetko as part of a 2024 appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, Wendt gushed about his nephew and godson. He referenced a particular interview where Jason made a quip about any advice his famous uncle might have given him as a fledgling actor.

“It was [David] Letterman or Conan, he said, 'Did your uncle George have any advice for you?' And Jason goes — he's so sharp — he goes, ‘Yeah, he told me just get on the best show on television and one of the greatest shows of all time and just pretty much take it from there.’ And he goes, ‘So I did.’”

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Die-hard fans of Sudeikis’ Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso can also notice a nod to Cheers, and Wendt by extension, in the show’s finale (though it has since been renewed for a longer run). Bartender Mae straightens the picture frame at the show’s Crown & Anchor pub, similar to how Ted Danson’s Sam Malone closes the bar for the last time on Cheers.

Clearly, the pair were deeply fond of each other, and Wendt will be sorely missed.

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