Jason Sudeikis Honors Uncle George Wendt With Heartfelt Tribute Following Death at 76

This version corrects the name typos, uses concise phrasing ("Honors" instead of "Offers tribute"), and maintains a respectful tone while adhering to standard title structure.

Jason Sudeikis Honors Late Uncle George Wendt at Big Slick Charity Event

Jason Sudeikis returned to his hometown of Kansas City over the weekend for his annual Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, a fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Amid the festivities, the Ted Lasso star paid heartfelt tribute to his late uncle, George Wendt, the beloved Cheers actor who passed away in his sleep on May 20 at age 76.

During a press conference, Sudeikis reflected on Wendt’s legacy, calling him an “amazing guy” before humorously blaming a microphone malfunction on his uncle: “That’s him messing with the soundboard—‘Don’t talk about me!’” He praised Wendt for defying the adage “Don’t meet your heroes,” adding, “He’s as fun, kind, and warm as any character he played.”

Jason Sudeikis at the Big Slick event, where he honored his uncle George Wendt.

Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers, was a guiding force in Sudeikis’ life. “He showed me acting was a viable career,” Sudeikis shared, noting Wendt’s Midwest roots and connection to Kansas City, where he attended Rockhurst University. Joking about Wendt’s college days, Sudeikis quipped, “He logged 18 credit hours at a bar called Mike’s—all in preparation for Cheers.”

The fundraiser, co-hosted by Kansas City natives Paul Rudd, Rob Riggle, Eric Stonestreet, and Heidi Gardner, included a celebrity softball game. Sudeikis honored his uncle by wearing a Kansas City Royals jersey emblazoned with “Wendt 76.”

Sudeikis wearing a custom Royals jersey to honor Wendt during the Big Slick softball game.

Riggle and Rudd also shared fond memories of Wendt, who frequently participated in the event. “George was always willing to join—whether umpiring or cracking jokes,” Riggle recalled. Rudd added, “His absence will be felt. He was as much a part of this as any of us.”

Last year, Wendt praised his nephew on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, calling Sudeikis “a mensch” and recalling his witty response about career advice: “Jason said, ‘Get on the best show on TV’—so he joined SNL.”

George Wendt (left) and Jason Sudeikis shared a close bond, both on and off screen.

The Big Slick event, now in its 14th year, has raised millions for pediatric care, blending star power with heartfelt community support—a testament to Wendt’s enduring influence on Sudeikis and Kansas City.

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