George Wendt, the actor best known for his role as Norm Peterson in the classic television sitcom “Cheers,” has passed away at the age of 76. His family representative confirmed that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday. The representative also shared a statement from the family, expressing their grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson, a regular patron of the Boston bar “Cheers,” earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations. He appeared in all 275 episodes of the show, which ran for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. The series, which also starred Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, and the late Kirstie Alley, won 28 Emmys during its run.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948, Wendt began his career in the city’s thriving improv scene. He started as a comedian at the Second City in the 1970s before landing the role that would define his career. Wendt’s character Norm became a fan favorite, with his catchphrase “Afternoon, everybody” becoming one of the most recognizable lines on “Cheers.”
Wendt reprised his role as Norm in the short-lived “Cheers” spinoff, “The Tortellis,” and another spinoff, “Frasier.” He later starred in his own sitcom, “The George Wendt Show,” where he played a radio host car mechanic. The show was canceled after one month.
The National Comedy Center recognized Wendt’s contributions to comedy in a statement. They praised his work from his early days with the Second City to his iconic role on “Cheers,” noting that his performances created memorable characters that felt like family to viewers.
Wendt’s nephew, “Saturday Night Live” alum Jason Sudeikis, also followed in his footsteps into the acting world. Wendt once humorously commented that the most challenging part of playing Norm was having to drink the warm, flat, non-alcoholic “beer” on set.
Wendt’s acting career extended beyond “Cheers” and its spinoffs. He appeared in other television shows like “Wings,” “The Simpsons,” and “Family Guy,” and had recurring roles on “The Naked Truth” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” He also made his Broadway debut in “Art” in 1998 and played Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” from 2007 to 2008.
Wendt’s last public appearance was at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend with NFL star Travis Kelce on June 1, 2024. Earlier that year, he had reunited with his “Cheers” co-stars at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Wendt is survived by his wife of 46 years, actress Bernadette Birkett, their children Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew.