NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Kelsey Grammer reacted to the death of hisCheerscostar and friend George Wendt, calling him "a lovely guy." The actors respectively played Frasier Crane and Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom. Wendt died Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 76. Kelsey Grammeris remembering his lateCheerscostar and friendGeorge Wendt. The Emmy winner, 70, reacted to Wendt's death while appearing on the May 21 episode of Sirius XM'sGayle King in the House, telling hostGayle Kingthe news came as "a bit of a surprise" to him. "George was a lovely guy," Grammar said, noting that it's "still odd to speak of him in a past tense right now" since it was so fresh. Wendt, who played Norm Peterson onCheersopposite Grammer's Frasier Crane,diedTuesday, May 20. He was 76. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty "I spoke to his family yesterday and just told them how much I liked him and, you know, choked up a little bit," Grammer, who went on to star in the spinoff seriesFrasier, said. Grammar also recalled how "hysterical" Wendt was as Norm onCheers, calling him "extraordinary." "I mean, for 11 years, America waited for him to walk into a bar every Thursday night and say something funny, and they just knew he wouldn't disappoint," he reminisced about Wendt on the beloved sitcom. "He'd sort of just lope across that floor and sit down at that stool and order that beer and say something that set the world on fire." Wendt's publicist confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE, saying he "died peacefully in his sleep while at home." "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever," the statement read. "The family has requested privacy during this time." VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Some of Wendt's former castmates and friends haveshared their fond memories of himin the days following his death, including hisCheerscostarsTed Danson,Rhea PerlmanandJohn Ratzenberger. Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli onCheers, told PEOPLE she'll remember Wendt as "the sweetest, kindest man I ever met." "It was impossible not to like him," she said. "As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it, and he loved pretending it didn't hurt. What a guy! I'll miss him more than words can say." Read the original article onPeople
