Cheers Icon George Wendt, Beloved ‘Norm,’ Passes at 76
Cheers Star George Wendt, Beloved ‘Norm’, Dies Peacefully at 76
At the age of 76, veteran comedian and actor George Wendt, best known for playing Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom Cheers, passed away. Wendt passed away quietly at home in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a statement from his family.
Wendt, who was a mainstay of American television in the 1980s and early 1990s, was described as a loving father, a loyal husband, and a treasured friend. “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 spokesperson shared.
From 1982 until 1993, Wendt portrayed the legendary Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers. He received six consecutive Emmy nods for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the endearing bar regular.
His persona was well-known for his friendly yet witty barroom demeanor, which was always greeted with a chorus of “Norm!” whenever he entered—a memorable moment that fans treasured. At the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024, Wendt had a special reunion with Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger, who were all cast members of Cheers.
Wendt had a prosperous career in television and cinema outside of the sitcom, starring in films such as Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho. Additionally, he played Macaulay Culkin’s father in Michael Jackson’s 1991 song video Black or White.
The couple has three kids together and has been married since 1978 to actress Bernadette Birkett. Jason Sudeikis, the comedian and actor best known for Ted Lasso, was also Wendt’s uncle. Ted Danson called Wendt’s death “devastating” in one of the many tributes that have been sent in.
Cheers! The pub that served as the show’s inspiration, Boston, paid tribute to Norm by posting a photo of his barstool along with the words, “You’ll always have a stool at our bar.” Actress Melissa Joan Hart wrote, “Heaven just got a little funnier,” recalling her collaboration with Wendt on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
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