Rhea Perlman Speaks Out on George Wendt’s Shockingly Sudden Illness
Look, I don’t want to be the one to say it, but here we are—talking about another celebrity health curveball. Rhea Perlman recently opened up about the “unexpected” severity of her Cheers co-star George Wendt’s condition, admitting she was blindsided by how sick he really was. According to People magazine and Entertainment Tonight, Perlman confessed that even those closest to the veteran actor didn’t grasp the scope of his battle until it was nearly too late.
Cheers fans know George Wendt as Norm Peterson, the beloved barfly whose one-liners and easygoing charm made him a weekly staple from 1982 to 1993. Behind the scenes, he’s always been viewed as a robust presence—a guy who looked as if he could down a beer or two without breaking a sweat. When word surfaced that Wendt had been quietly struggling with health complications, colleagues and admirers alike were stunned. “‘I don’t think he knew he was that sick,’” Perlman told People, paraphrasing what she believes was his own assessment when he finally saw the test results.
It wasn’t until Wendt canceled a recent convention appearance that alarms really started ringing. Sources tell Entertainment Tonight that crew members backstage reported George complaining of fatigue and sharp chest pains in the weeks leading up to his withdrawal. Friends say he chalked it up to stress and the rigors of travel, while Perlman only caught wind of the problem when mutual friends began calling, worried. “He’s the last person you expect to phone you from a hospital bed,” Perlman quipped in her candid interview, rolling her eyes at the notion that Norm Peterson could hide a serious illness behind a salt-and-pepper grin.
In her conversation with ET, Perlman stressed that the diagnosis came as a surprise to everyone, including George himself. She recalled the moment she visited his home: “He was sitting there reading the newspaper like nothing was wrong,” she said. “I thought it was a joke until I saw the stack of medical bills.” She praised his privacy-minded approach—respecting his wish to keep details under wraps—but admitted that the secrecy meant friends were left in the dark until situations became dire.
As of this writing, Wendt is reportedly under treatment and surrounded by loved ones who are urging fans to send positive vibes. Perlman hinted at a potential fundraiser or tribute special on the horizon, which could gather Cheers alumni to support their longtime friend. With both nostalgia and concern swirling among followers, everyone is eager to hear more updates on Wendt’s recovery.
And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice surprises in Hollywood. Stay tuned for what’s next in this unfolding real-life drama.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People magazine, Entertainment Tonight
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
