George Wendt, a beloved figure from Chicago, spent his childhood on Bell Street, a place where his family still resides. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Beverly neighborhood came together to celebrate his legacy.
The heartwarming gathering wasn’t at a fictional Boston bar, but rather at the intersection of 92nd Place and Bell Street. This location has been newly christened as George Wendt Way in his honor.
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“The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just amazing to me, but not surprising,” expressed Bernadette Birkett, Wendt’s widow. “He had great humility, but he deserved to be loved because he was a wonderful person.”
The affection for Wendt was palpable as friends and family joined forces to toast the man best known for his role as the affable “Norm” from the sitcom Cheers. Although George passed away six months ago at 76, his spirit lingers on in the memories of many.
“I’m guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life, telling folks, ‘Oh yeah, I grew up with George Wendt,’” confessed Matt O’Shea, Alderman of the 19th Ward.
“I’m guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life, telling folks, ‘Oh yeah, I grew up with George Wendt,’” said 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea.
Many, including ABC7’s Michelle Gallardo, did a double-take today at the sight of his brother, Paul Wendt.
“I never really had a chance to get irate with anyone without anyone noticing who it was. So, that was a bit of a burden,” Paul said.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, George was also known for his Bears superfan role on “Saturday Night Live.” But he got his start in the 1970s, doing improv at Second City. It’s where he met his wife before moving to Los Angeles.
“If he were here, he’d be wearing shorts and a t-shirt because, if he put on pants, my kids would think he had a job,” Bernadette said.
Sunday’s unveiling is just one of the events planned to honor George’s memory this week in Chicago.
