George Wendt, star of stage and screen, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 76. The big picture: The star of television shows like "Cheers" and "Saturday Night Live" grew up in Beverly and carved out a successful career in Hollywood by playing into his Chicago roots.

Not only did the uncle and nephew remain close throughout their respective careers, but Wendt also helped Sudeikis earn h

Jason Sudeikis shared touching memories of his uncle, 'Cheers' star George Wendt, who passed away at 76 surrounded by family

Norm Peterson the "Cheers" character may have seemed as Bostonian as the Red Sox and the Freedom Trail, but the man who portrayed him, the late George Wendt, was a native Chicagoan who was forever proud of his hometown.

Before his passing, George Wendt got the chance to reconnect with the friends who helped launch his iconic career. In what became one of his final public appearances, Wendt joined his Cheers castmates Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast,