George Wendt has successful bypass

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CHICAGO, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Television and theater actor George Wendt has undergone successful coronary bypass surgery at a Chicago-area hospital, his manager said.

Geoff Cheddy told the Chicago Tribune the former "Cheers" barfly had the operation Thursday at an undisclosed medical facility after he experienced chest pains this week and was diagnosed with a constricted artery. He is expected to make a full recovery, Cheddy said.

Wendt, a 64-year-old Chicago native and Second City alumnus, was in Skokie, Ill., preparing to star in the Northlight Theatre Company's production of "The Odd Couple" when he fell ill.

"George and his family send heart-felt thanks to all the well-wishers," Cheddy said in a statement to the Tribune. "And they ask for privacy and consideration as he recovers."