Jun 17, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; American actor George Wendt is the official home plate umpire during the Big Slick Celebrity Softball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The late comedy legend George Wendt on Sunday had a street named in his honor in the Chicago neighborhood where he grew up.
Wendt grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on the South Side, at 92nd and Bell. On Sunday, his family was surrounded by a big crowd as the stretch of Bell Avenue between 91st Street and 92nd Place was formally designated as Honorary George Wendt Way.
The sign went up in front of Wednt’s childhood home.
His wife and brother talked about what the tribute means to their family.
“The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just amazing to me,” said his wife, actress Bernadette Birkette.
“We used to hang right at this corner; play baseball, football, and it’s just another touchdown. We love him,” said his brother, Paul Wednt.
George Wendt died in May at the age of 76.
He started his comedy career in Chicago at The Second City in 1975. His most famous role was as Norm Peterson on “Cheers,” always occupying his spot at the end of the bar with a mug of beer in hand, talking about his life with Sam, Coach, and Woody, and of course, his best friend Cliff Clavin. He appeared in every episode of “Cheers” over 11 years.
He also starred in the famous Saturday Night Live skit as Chicago Bears superfan Bob Swerski, introducing the world to the distinctive pronunciation of “Da Bears.”
