00:00We're learning more today about George Wendt's final days.
00:03The beloved Cheers actor was struggling with major health issues.
00:07According to his family, George Wendt died peacefully in his sleep here at his home in Los Angeles.
00:12The 76-year-old was in failing health, suffering from kidney issues.
00:16He also had difficulty walking.
00:18His last public appearance was on a podcast, hosted by his famous Cheers castmates, Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson.
00:25Oh man, I never felt so alive.
00:27He seemed in good spirits, but his weight had ballooned to a reported 350 pounds, and he looked haggard.
00:35In January, he was wheelchair-bound, assisted by his wife as he left a dialysis clinic where he was being treated for kidney disease.
00:43At the Emmys last year, when the Cheers cast reunited, Wendt stumbled a little as he came on stage and took a seat on his favorite chair, a bar stool.
00:54Could his love of beer have contributed to his health problems?
00:57Good afternoon, everybody.
00:58Norm!
00:59He often joked that beer-guzzling Norm was similar to his real-life personality.
01:04But the beer on Cheers was non-alcoholic, described as warm, flat, with salt added to make it more foamy.
01:11In 2023, Wendt appeared on Inside Edition with Cheers castmate John Ratzenberger, as the famous Cheers set was up for auction.
01:19Today, John played tribute to his old pal.
01:22For 11 years, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television's most beloved friendships.
