'Cheers' star George Wendt's cause of death revealed

"Cheers" actor George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listed Wendt's immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension as underlying causes, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital. 

Wendt died on May 20 at the age of 76, the document stated.

GEORGE WENDT, 'CHEERS' STAR, DEAD AT 76

He died peacefully in his sleep, a family representative previously shared in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," the statement read.

"He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time."

In all 275 episodes of the beloved NBC sitcom, "Cheers," Wendt starred as Norm Peterson. Throughout the show's course, Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role.

'CHEERS' STAR GEORGE WENDT SCORED ICONIC ROLE WITH A 1-WORD AUDITION

His "Cheers" co-stars honored Wendt in heartfelt tributes following his death. 

"I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children," Danson wrote in a statement at the time given to The Hollywood Reporter. "It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie."

Kelsey Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane on "Cheers" before he starred in his own spinoff, said, "I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"Cheers" co-star Rhea Perlman echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." 

In one of his last interviews before his death, he shared how his one-word audition sparked into him landing his iconic role.

HOLLYWOOD STARS WHO DIED IN 2025: PHOTOS

Prior to his death, Wendt reunited with his "Cheers" co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson for their podcast, SiriusXM's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." During their conversation in August, he looked back on how he nearly missed out on the role that would define his career, all because of a scheduling conflict.

Wendt was asked to walk into the bar and say "beer" to Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers.

WATCH A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN SIX GLASSES ON FOX NATION

Although the audition was just one syllable, it would eventually echo through sitcom history.

Wendt's beloved "Cheers" character, Norm Peterson, became a fan favorite, as the frequent customer had a punchline for every pint.

"Cheers" aired for 11 seasons on NBC, from 1982 to 1993, and was set in a Boston bar "where everybody knows your name."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER 

The cast evolved over the show's 11 seasons, but key members included Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman and John Ratzenberger.

Later cast additions included Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley and Bebe Neuwirth.

The beloved show took home 28 Emmy Awards with a total of 179 nominations.

After "Cheers" went off-air, the actor pivoted to his own show, "The George Wendt Show."

Wendt also appeared on the big screen in movies like "Alice in Wonderland," "The Little Rascals," "Santa Buddies," "Airplane II: The Sequel" and more.

Fox News Digital's Janelle Ash contributed to this report.

Eagles' Saquon Barkley hints NFL retirement will be sudden and come 'out of nowhere'

After eclipsing the 2,000-yard rushing mark during the 2024 regular season, Saquon Barkley was named the cover athlete for "Madden NFL 26."

Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. His historic first year in Philly earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. By all accounts, the 28-year-old will enter the 2025 season in the prime of his career. However, the star running back recently hinted that when he does eventually step away from the game, it could be sudden. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

During a recent appearance on former NFL player Chris Long's "Green Light Podcast," Barkley was asked if he would step away while he was still at the peak of his career or if he would stick around.

"I'll probably [be] one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere," Barkley responded in reference to his eventual retirement. "I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years and just be like, 'Yeah, it's over.' I don't think I will ever lose that passion."

Barkley then cited Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders' shocking decision to walk away from the NFL in 1998.

RETURN OF THE BACK: WHY THE DEMISE OF THE RB WAS GREATLY EXAGGERATED

"The competitive nature is always going to be there. I like, probably my favorite player of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day, like it'll be out of nowhere, I'll probably be ballin', and just be like, ‘Yeah, call it quits.’"

Sanders racked up 15,269 career rushing yards before he abruptly retired. He needed less than 1,500 yards to catch up to Walter Payton's then all-time rushing record. Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith currently sits atop the league's all-time list.

The Eagles rewarded Barkley's productive 2024 campaign with a lucrative two-year contract extension. Barkley entered the 2025 campaign with 7,216 career rushing yards and was a key part of the Eagles' run to the Super Bowl LIX title.

Barkley is credited with seven NFL seasons, while Sanders played a total of 10 years in the league.

Fox News’ Connor McGahan contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

About Us

Virtus (virtue, valor, excellence, courage, character, and worth)

Vincit (conquers, triumphs, and wins)