General Hospital star Chris McKenna remembers late Cheers star George Wendt

General Hospital star Chris McKenna, who plays Brennan, is honoring the late TV George Wendt, who died today, May 20, 2025. McKenna knew Wendt not only as a comic actor but also as a colleague and friend.

Chris McKenna honors George Wendt

Multiple media outlets have reported that Wendt passed away at the age of 76 in his sleep. He died on the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers finale.

"We’ve spent so much time with George on screen, on stage, in Stuart Gordon’s long rehearsals, in Scottish pubs drinking cask ales, in late-night venues watching live music which he loved," McKenna began an Instagram post.

"And it’ll never have been enough," the General Hospital actor continues. "His dry humor and his hearty chuckle will be with me forever as it will the rest of us. I miss you already, George. Take a rest, you’ve earned it. #RIPGEORGEWENDT."

In his post's comments section, McKenna elaborated on his late friend. "This isn’t remotely the tribute he deserves," the actor adds. "I knew him for 25 years and he optioned the book that gave me my first lead in a film. I’ll say more once I’ve gathered myself."

McKenna and Wendt appeared in King of the Ants, a horror film that was released in 2003. McKenna played the part of a young drifter named Sean Crawley. Wendt was cast in the role of "Duke" Wayne. The film also starred Kari Wuhrer, who played Reese on General Hospital from 2005-06. The movie is based on a 1992 novel by Christopher Higson.

In Memoriam: George Wendt

Born George Robert Wendt Jr. on the south side of Chicago, Ill. to parents Loretta Mary and George Wendt Sr., Wendt. Jr. was one of nine children. He had six sisters, Nancy, Karen, Mary Ann, Kathryn, Loretta, and Marti, and two brothers, Tom and Paul.

Wendt's credits include the film My Bodyguard and TV shows Taxi, SOAP, and M*A*S*H. His first regular series role came in 1982 on the short-lived CBS soap Making the Grade, which was created by Gary David Goldberg (Family Ties).

The actor appeared in all 275 episodes of Cheers as Norm Peterson. He earned six Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Wendt also played Norm on Cheers spinoffs Frasier and The Tortellis. He also played Norm on the series Wings. The actor was married to Bernadette Birkett and had three children.

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Soap Central sends condolences to Wendt's family and friends at this difficult time.

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