George Wendt, the beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. According to his family, Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home early Tuesday morning.
“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,” a family representative said.
Wendt starred in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993. His portrayal of Norm, the affable bar regular whose name was always enthusiastically shouted whenever he entered the bar, earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His character became one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in American television history.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt enjoyed a successful career in both film and television. His credits include roles in Dreamscape, Forever Young, Gung Ho, and Michael Jackson’s Black or White music video, where he played the father of a young boy portrayed by Macaulay Culkin. He also made appearances on popular shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, where co-star Melissa Joan Hart remembered him as “warm, professional and kind.”
Wendt’s legacy also includes a lasting impact on his colleagues and fans. His Cheers co-star Ted Danson expressed his sorrow, saying, “I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
Wendt had been married to actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978. The couple shared three children. He was also the uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, star of the hit series Ted Lasso.
The Cheers Boston bar, the inspiration behind the TV show’s iconic setting, honored Wendt with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “George wasn’t just an actor, he was a symbol of comfort, laughter, and that familiar feeling of walking into a place where everybody knows your name,” the post read. “You’ll always have a stool at our bar.”
Wendt’s last public appearance with the Cheers cast was at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024, a nostalgic reunion that delighted longtime fans.
In a world that often changes too fast, George Wendt gave audiences a reason to laugh and feel at home. His presence, warmth, and humor will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Written By Rodney Mbua
