George Wendt, the American actor famously known for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic 1980s sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. He died peacefully in his sleep at home early Tuesday morning, according to his family.
Wendt’s portrayal of the beer-loving, dry-witted Norm Peterson made him a household name over the course of 11 seasons of Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993. The show followed the lives of staff and regulars at a Boston bar, and Wendt’s character was instantly recognizable by the warm “Norm!” call from fellow patrons each time he entered the bar.
Born on October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Wendt began his career in comedy at The Second City theater and had appeared in several TV shows before Cheers, including MASH*, Taxi, and Soap. His big break came with Cheers, where he earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role.
Wendt’s family described him as “a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him.” They said he “will be missed forever.”
He starred in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which featured an ensemble cast including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and Woody Harrelson. The show itself won 28 Emmy Awards from 117 nominations and even spawned the successful spin-off Frasier.
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According to ABC News, Wendt married Bernadette Birkett in 1978 after meeting at Second City, and they had three children together. He was also the uncle and godparent of actor Jason Sudeikis.
Beyond Cheers, Wendt appeared in television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and George Lopez. His film credits include Fletch (1985), Guilt by Suspicion (1991), and Forever Young (1992). On stage, he performed in Broadway productions like Hairspray and toured nationally in 12 Angry Men.
The National Comedy Center’s Executive Director Journey Gunderson remarked, “George Wendt’s work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family. Over the course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of television’s most beloved roles,” according to Yahoo News.
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