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That’s where everyone knows his name.
Actor George Went is best known for his role Norm Peterson He died Tuesday in “Cheers,” but in one of his final interviews before his death, he shared how his one-word audition got caught up in order to land his iconic role.
In August, Went reunited with “Cheers” co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson for a podcast. “All people know your name.” In their conversation, he recalls how he almost missed out on the role that defined his career due to conflicting schedules.
George Went, “Cheers” star, died at age 76
Actor George Went’s journey from one-word audition to the standard of “cheers” is celebrated after his death. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCuniversal via Getty Images)
“My agent called and said, “You know, honey, they want you to do this,” cheers. [‘Making the Grade’] On CBS’ Paramount, Wendt remembered at the time.
Went recalls how he almost missed out on the role that defined his career due to a scheduling conflict. (CBS via Getty Images)
“Then they go, but they want you to come in anyway, and it’s really small.” I go, “Oh, I get it.”
The “really small” role was originally just one line of the pilot An episode of “Cheers.”
Went recalls asking his agent, “How small is it?” She said, “Well, it’s really one line… actually… it’s just a word… thinking about it, it’s one syllable.”
Went enters the bar and is asked by Shelley Long’s character Diane Chambers to say “Beer.”
Includes “Cheers” cast (LR) John Ratzenberger is Cliff Cravin, Rhea Perman, Carla Rebeck, Roger Reese is Robin Colcord, Kirsty Alley as Rebecca Howe, Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane, Ted Danson, Sam Nayley Maley as Daly Sternnin Sternnin Sternnin The Rayleigh Maley, Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd and George Went as Norm Peterson. (via Getty Images via NBCU Photo Bank/NBCuniversal Getty Images)
The audition was merely syllables, but ultimately it will echo throughout sitcom history.
After the first reading, the team behind “Cheers” realized that there was more to offer Went. They expanded the role and gave him a second shot as he fully auditioned for another character.
“I read that,” Went said. “And they decided they would try and solve it in a place where I could do both shows, and then the other shows were cancelled.”
Went’s beloved “cheer” character Norm Peterson has become a fan favorite as his frequent clients had every pint punch line.
Went’s beloved “cheer” character Norm Peterson has become a fan favorite. (nbcuniversal via Paul Drink Water/NBCU Photobank/Getty Images)
Wendt passed away peacefully in sleep on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from a family representative shared with Fox News Digital.
“George was a doting family man, a beloved friend and all those lucky enough to know him,” the statement read.
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“He will be overlooked forever. His family has been demanding privacy during this time.”
His “Cheers” co-stars praised Went in a subsequent Heartfelt tribute His death.
Went’s “Cheers” co-stars praised him with sincere respect after his death. (Bob Riha, Jr./getty Images)
“I’m devastated to hear that Georgie isn’t with us anymore. I’m sending all my love to Bernadette and my children,” Danson wrote in the given statement. Hollywood Reporter. “It’s going to take a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
Kelsey Glamourhe portrayed Fraser Crane in “Cheers” before starring in his own spinoff, “I think mourning is a private matter. But I really liked George. He was loved by millions.”
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“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend George Went,” co-star John Ratzenberger said in his own statement. “He was a true craftsman – humble, cheerful and heart-filled. What you saw on screen was someone he was offscreen with perfect comedy timing and deep loyalty to the people he loved.
“Cheers” reunited the 2024 Emmy Awards with Ted Danson, Lear Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger and George Went. (Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
“Cheers” co-star Rhea Perman reflected similar feelings by saying, “George Went was the sweetest and kindest man I’ve ever met.”
Perman, who portrayed waitress Cara Torteri in the series, said, “It was impossible not to like him. Cara often stood next to him.
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“Cheers” aired 275 episodes in 11 seasons of runs on NBC from 1982 to 1993. Emmy Awards A total of 179 nominations.
