As tributes from fans and Hollywood stars poured in with the news of actor George Wendt’s death at age 76 on May 20, 2025, Hallmark star Ashley Williams shared her sadness in a beautiful post honoring the beloved “Cheers” alum, who played Norm on the sitcom from 1982 to 1993.
Williams and Wendt who filmed a pilot together in 2007 for a series called “Imperfect Union.” Although the show never aired, Williams’ time with Wendt left a lasting impression.
“The relentlessly patient, kind, steady and jovial George Wendt,” she captioned several photos of them filming together, beginning with one of them hugging. “What a legend.”
Ashley Williams Says She Was ‘Startled’ by How Kind George Wendt Was
Noting that Wendt played her dad in the TV pilot “a million years ago,” Williams wrote, “Having grown up shouting ‘NORM’ every time he walked into the bar on Cheers I was startled when in person he had that same reliable kindness he embodied on the show— ya never know who people really are when you meet them.”
She continued, “He will be greatly missed but I know frequently referenced — ‘A good guy. Like a George Wendt kinda guy’ His name is ubiquitous with his beautiful attributes.” Among the hashtags Williams included was #mayhismemorybeablessing.
Fans and friends flooded Williams’ post with comments about her tribute and their own memories of Wendt.
Her sister and fellow actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley wrote, “Such a sweet tribute… ❤️❤️❤️❤️” and Williams replied, “he was a genuinely sweet man”
Former production assistant Georgyne LaLone added the comment, “I worked with him on Cheers, knew him for years. I adored him. I keep crying. My heart hurts for Bernadette and his children. He was such a sweet and kind man.”
Someone else wrote, “They’ll have opened those pearly gates and shouted ‘Norm’! Watching Cheers in my George’s character Norm was always my favourite. RIP George” and Williams replied, “omg I love this image!”
Another fan commented, “So so sad when we heard the news of his passing. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about him, when people would run into him. You’re so right Ashley. You can love someone on screen so much, but just never know what they’d be like in person. He will be missed. 😢”
Hallmark Director Ron Oliver Also Paid Tribute to George Wendt
Prolific Hallmark director Ron Oliver, who’s been at the helm of dozens of movies for the network including “The Groomsmen” trilogy, also paid tribute to Wednt on social media.
“I had the great pleasure of directing Mr. George Wendt in our Universal Studios movie ‘Granddaddy Day Care,’ he wrote, posting a photo of the cast, “and I’m genuinely saddened by his passing. We don’t have many true legends left in our business, but he was one of the best. RIP George.”
Screenwriter Russell Hainline, whose Hallmark credits include “The Santa Summit” and “Three Wise Men and a Boy,” posted a funny video clip of Wednt on “Cheers” in his Instagram Stories. In another Story, he shared a black-and-white photo of the actor playing Norm, saddled up the bar at “Cheers,” and wrote, “R.I.P. to one of the great beer drinkers in beer history.”
Wendt’s last acting credit was a 2024 independent rom-com starring Hallmark regular Jodie Sweetin called “Love’s Second Act.” At the time of publication, she had not commented on his passing.
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Hallmark’s Ashley Williams Shares Beautiful Tribute to George Wendt