Kelsey Grammer paid tribute to his former Cheers co-star George Wendt, who died earlier this week at age 76. He died peacefully in his sleep. Grammer called in to Gayle King's SiriusXM show to speak about his former co-star's legacy.

T he TV world lost an icon Tuesday when George Wendt, 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep, according to family. The actor was best known for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheer

"America waited for him to walk into a bar every Thursday night and say something funny," Grammer said of his late castmate, who died this week. "And they just knew he wouldn't disappoint."

Sudeikis recalled the story in September 2017 while speaking to The A.V. Club on the red carpet of the “Second City’s Roast Of George Wendt” event he hosted in honor of his uncle, who died May 20 at age 76, NBC News has confirmed.

Kelsey Grammer is reflecting on his longtime pal George Wendt. The actor, 70, starred alongside the actor, who died at age 76 on Tuesday, on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” for eight seasons from 1984 to 1993. Now, Grammer is speaking out following Wendt’s passing, revealing that “it was a bit of a surprise.”

Actor George Wendt's journey from a one-word audition to becoming Norm on "Cheers" is celebrated after his death. Former co-stars honor his legacy with touching tributes.

Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger and Rhea Perlman honored their old "Cheers" co-star after George Wendt died at 76 on May 20.

George Wendt celebrated “Cheers” in his final public appearance before his death. The actor appeared on his former co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson’s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” in August last year, nine months before he died at age 76.

Late 'Cheers' actor George Wendt's legacy includes iconic TV moments and unforgettable stories with co-stars like Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, John Ratzenberger and Kirstie Alley.