Ted Danson and More Stars React to George Wendt’s Death at 76: ‘One of the Best’

Tributes are pouring in for the late George Wendt following the news of his death.

The Cheers star died “peacefully in his sleep while at home” on Tuesday, May 20, his family confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement via his publicist.

“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.”

Wendt was best known for playing Norm Peterson on Cheers, and he appeared in every episode from its 1982 premiere to its finale in 1993. His costar Ted Danson tells PEOPLE in a statement he’s “devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us.”

“I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Danson says. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Cheers‘ Rhea Perlman tells PEOPLE she’ll remember Wendt as “the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.”

“It was impossible not to like him,” she says. “As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on Cheers, tells PEOPLE that he’s “heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt.”

“For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television’s most beloved friendships,” he says. “George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance — the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift.”

“He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious, and full of heart,” he continues. “What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most.”

Ratzenberger concludes his statement saying his “thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.”

Jeff Ross was among the first to pay tribute to Wendt following the news of his death.

“I was lucky enough to spend some quality time talking with George Wendt a year ago at @bigslickkc annual event benefiting Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He wasn’t feeling his best, but he still rose to the occasion and made thousands of people laugh a lot for a great cause,” Ross, 59, wrote on Instagram as he shared a selfie of him and Wendt from last year’s event.

Ross recalled Wendt performing a “hilarious ‘Da Bears’ sketch” at the event with his nephew Jason Sudeikis and Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.

The comedian concluded his post with a reference to the classic line from Cheers. “Cheers George — and wherever you are I know everybody knows your name.”

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Wendt’s Gung Ho costar Michael Keaton remembered the actor in an Instagram tribute writing, “Just somebody you loved being around! talented and funny and a good guy RIP George.”

Keaton also shared an additional statement with PEOPLE, as he recalled, “No one didn’t love this guy. Great spirit, great to be around and had beautiful timing. I/we all enjoyed him on Gung Ho.”

Melissa Joan Hart reflected on her time working with Wendt during his handful of appearances on Sabrina the Teenage Witch in 2001 and 2002 in an Instagram post, as she wrote that “heaven just got a little funnier” with his arrival.

Hart said she was a “big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set” as she called it a “thrill to work beside him.”

“He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”

Singer and host Mel B remembered Wendt, who appearance in the 1997 film Spice World, in a statement to PEOPLE. “George was a gentleman and a comedy icon,” she said. “This is a sad day. My condolences to his family.”

Eric Allan Kramer, who guest-starred in a 1989 episode of Cheers, remembered Wendt as “one of the warmest, funniest guys I’ve ever come across” in an Instagram post.

“Welcoming as the star he was, incredibly giving as an actor in rehearsal (and when the cameras were rolling)… Also the first one to make sure I had a beer in my hand at the end of the night… We shared a history of work with the Calgary Stampeders and exchanged many stories over the week… Cheers, indeed… Many thanks for the laughs and the education… RIP,” the Good Luck, Charlie star wrote.

Jon Cryer, who starred in the 1984 film No Small Affair with Wendt, tells PEOPLE he “met George on one of my first movies and every day we shot together I kind of couldn’t believe it. That I was working with one of my favorite actors in television and he was just such an absolute prince.”

“He will be missed by many millions who, just like me, felt like Norm was a member of the family,” he continues.

Travis Tedford, a former child actor who had a scene with Wendt in The Little Rascals, tells PEOPLE he was “saddened to hear about his passing today.”

“While I was only five at the time we worked together and don’t remember much about our interactions off-camera, I do remember he had a calm and kind presence on set,” he says. “Even in a short appearance, he brought the humor. He was a familiar face from Cheers, and it was an honor to have worked with him.”

The George Wendt Show’s Brian Doyle-Murray remembers Wendt as “one of the best of the Chicago actors,” “a talented and generous actor with impeccable timing” and “a genuinely good guy.”

Another costar from The George Wendt Show, Pat Finn, honored Wendt in an Instagram tribute. “In life, you meet a lot of people. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to meet one who changes your life and becomes one of your dearest friends. George Wendt was that to me,” he wrote.

“When we moved from Chicago, George, Bernadette and the kids took us in,” the captioned continued. “They were our Chicago family in LA. Sunday dinner’s were always a highlight. Ryan was lucky enough to have him as his Godfather. Thank you for all the love and laughs, man we had some great times. I’ll cherish them and our friendship forever. Rest in Peace my friend…❤️🙏 🍺”

Mark Christopher Lawrence, who also starred on the CBS sitcom said in a statement to PEOPLE that he was “devastated” by Wendt’s death.

“I first met him during the network test for The George Wendt Show. I was young and nervous, walking into a packed room of executives, and there was George at the head of the table. He greeted me with a warm handshake and a bro hug that instantly calmed my nerves,” Lawrence said.

“After the read, I leaned over and whispered, ‘I’ll see you on set,’ and he burst out laughing. That was George—generous to a fault, always ready with knowledge, food, drinks, and positivity,” he added.

Lawrence went on to recall the time Wendt read about a BBQ competition in the paper. “[He] ordered food from the winner, and invited the cast and some crew over to his place. When the shipment arrived from the East Coast, we broke bread and split up the ‘Cheese Head’ swag they sent along. Classic George.”

He concluded, “Though we didn’t see each other for years after the show, we kept in touch through social media. When we reunited on Franklin & Bash, it was like no time had passed. That’s just who he was—someone who put people at ease and made every room feel lighter. I loved that guy. He is already deeply missed.”