George Wendt, the well-loved actor best known for playing Norm Peterson on the classic TV sitcom “Cheers”, has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed.
“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 family said in a statement to CNN.
Wendt’s career in television and comedy lasted nearly five decades, and his role as Norm made him a beloved face in American households.
Early Life and Comedy Roots
Born and raised in Chicago, George Wendt began his acting journey in 1975 at the famous comedy theatre group The Second City. There, he developed his skills in improvisational comedy, performing in shows like “One More with Fooling” and later becoming part of the touring company.
By 1980, Wendt left The Second City to pursue work in film and television. He quickly began getting roles in TV shows like “Taxi,” “Alice,” and “Making the Grade.” But his big break came in 1982, when he was cast as Norm Peterson in NBC’s hit sitcom “Cheers.”
Cheers and the Rise of Norm Peterson
“Cheers” became one of the most popular sitcoms of its time, running for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Wendt’s character, Norm, was the beer-loving, bar-dwelling regular who became instantly recognisable and loved by viewers.
Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations (1984–1989) for Best Supporting Actor for his role. He was also one of only three cast members to appear in every episode of the series, alongside Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman.
Perlman paid tribute to Wendt, saying:
“George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him.”
She recalled how their characters interacted on set and added:
“I’ll miss him more than words can say.”
Wendt himself often said he felt lucky to have had such a great job. In a 2024 interview at Motor City Comic Con, he joked:
“It was a great job. Oh my God, what a great job.”
His costar John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin, added:
“We sat at a bar for 11 years cracking jokes. Imagine seeing that ad in the newspaper!”
Life After Cheers
Wendt continued working actively after “Cheers” ended. He appeared in films like “Dreamscape,” “Never Say Die,” and “Forever Young” alongside stars like Mel Gibson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Elijah Wood.
His TV work included roles on shows like:
- “Seinfeld”
- “The Larry Sanders Show”
- “St. Elsewhere”
- “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”
- “Portlandia”
- “Fresh Off the Boat”
In 1995, he starred in his own show, “The George Wendt Show,” and joined the short-lived series “The Naked Truth” in 1997.
He also had a recurring role on Saturday Night Live from 1991 to 2003, playing the popular character Bob Swerski, a die-hard Chicago sports fan.
Celebrated by Family and Fans
In 2017, Wendt was honoured in a special comedy roast at The Second City Mainstage titled “I Can’t Believe They Wendt There.” The event was hosted by his nephew, Jason Sudeikis, star of the hit show “Ted Lasso.”
Wendt expressed how proud he was of Sudeikis in interviews, calling him “so smart, so thoughtful, and such a great kid.”
Wendt’s final acting credit was the 2024 TV movie “Love’s Second Act”, starring Jodie Sweetin.
A Family Man and Comedy Legend
George Wendt is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children — Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. The family has asked for privacy during this time.
With a career filled with laughs, heartfelt moments, and memorable characters, Wendt leaves behind a legacy of comedy, warmth, and friendship. For millions of viewers, he will always be Norm, the man with the easy charm and big heart, who made everyone at the bar—and at home—feel welcome.