CHICAGO (WLS) — George Wendt grew up on Chicago’s Bell Street.
Members of his extended family still own and live in what used to be his house today. And on Sunday afternoon, a celebration brought out what, at times, felt like the entire Beverly neighborhood.
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The place where everybody knows your name was not at a fictional bar in Boston, but at 92nd Place and Bell Street, which, as of Sunday, is known as the honorary George Wendt Way.
“The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just amazing to me, but not surprising,” said Bernadette Birkett, George’s widow. “He had great humility, but he deserved to be loved because he was a wonderful person.”
The outpouring of love was evident as dozens of the late actor’s friends and family came together to say “Cheers” to the man whose iconic, beer-loving character “Norm” lives on in the annals of American television, even while George himself passed away six months ago at the age of 76.
“I’m guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life, telling folks, ‘Oh yeah, I grew up with George Wendt,'” said 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea.
Many, including ABC7’s Michelle Gallardo, did a double-take today at the sight of his brother, Paul Wendt.
“I never really had a chance to get irate with anyone without anyone noticing who it was. So, that was a bit of a burden,” Paul said.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, George was also known for his Bears superfan role on “Saturday Night Live.” But he got his start in the 1970s, doing improv at Second City. It’s where he met his wife before moving to Los Angeles.
“If he were here, he’d be wearing shorts and a t-shirt because, if he put on pants, my kids would think he had a job,” Bernadette said.
Sunday’s unveiling is just one of the events planned to honor George’s memory this week in Chicago.
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