George Wendt Way unveiled at 92nd Place and Bell Street in honor of the late “Cheers” actor and Beverly, Chicago native

CHICAGO (WLS) — George Wendt grew up on Bell Street in Chicago.

Members of his extended family still own and live in what was now his home. And on Sunday afternoon, a celebration brought out what, at times, seemed like the entire Beverly neighborhood.

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The place where everyone knew your name was not in a fictional Boston bar, but at 92nd Place and Bell Street, which, as of Sunday, has been known as honorary George Wendt Way.

“The love and support for my husband and his legacy is just incredible 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 gathered to say “Cheers” to the man whose iconic, beer-loving character, “Norm,” endures in the annals of American television, even though George himself died six months ago at the age of 76.

“I’m guilty, like many of you, at some point in my life of telling people, ‘Oh yeah, I grew up on George Wendt,'” said 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea.

Many, including ABC7’s Michelle Gallardo, did a double-take today at the sight of her brother, Paul Wendt.

“I never really had the opportunity to be mad at someone without anyone noticing who it was, so it was a bit of a burden,” Paul said.

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, George was also known for his role as a Bears superfan on “Saturday Night Live.” But he got his start in the 1970s, doing improv at Second City. It was there that he met his wife before moving to Los Angeles.

“If he was here he would wear shorts and a t-shirt because if he put on pants my kids would think he has a job,” Bernadette said.

Sunday’s unveiling is just one of several events planned to honor George’s memory this week in Chicago.