George Wendt, widely recognized for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on the long-running television series Cheers, has died at the age of 76. His publicist confirmed the news, stating that the actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at home.
Wendt’s family described him as a devoted family man and a cherished friend to those who knew him. They expressed deep sorrow over his loss and requested privacy as they grieve.
The Chicago-born actor spent more than a decade portraying Norm, the barstool regular with a quick wit and a love for beer. Wendt appeared in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993. His performance earned him six Emmy nominations and solidified his place as one of television’s most enduring comedic characters.
A Legacy Beyond the Barstool
Wendt once explained that the Norm audiences saw on screen was a role that developed over time. He shared that while he shared some traits with his famous character—including a fondness for beer—he considered himself much more upbeat than Norm.
EVERY TIME NORM – (The late George Wendt) ENTERED THE BAR I CHEERS #CHEERS #Norm pic.twitter.com/vyAJUNGZ0z
— Dortie (@24SevenEyes) May 20, 2025
Beyond Cheers, Wendt continued to portray Norm in several related shows such as Frasier, Wings, The Tortellis, and even animated series like The Simpsons and Family Guy. He remained closely tied to the role, which became a defining part of his career.
Although The George Wendt Show, a sitcom he led in 1995, was short-lived and canceled after only six episodes, Wendt maintained a steady presence on television. His later appearances included roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, Portlandia, and The Goldbergs.
A Career Spanning Film, TV, and Stage
Wendt’s film credits showcased his versatility. He worked alongside Robert De Niro in Guilty by Suspicion, Chevy Chase in Fletch, Dennis Hopper in Space Truckers, and Mel Gibson in Forever Young. He also made a memorable appearance as Macaulay Culkin’s father in Michael Jackson’s music video Black or White.
In addition to his screen work, Wendt enjoyed success on stage. He performed in the Broadway production of Hairspray, playing the role of Edna Turnblad. Wendt once said the experience was one of the two most rewarding roles of his career, the other being Norm.
In recent years, Wendt remained active. He competed on The Masked Singer and starred in the 2022 holiday comedy Christmas with the Campbells. In 2024, he reunited with fellow Cheers cast members during a tribute at the Emmy Awards.
Wendt’s contributions to comedy and entertainment spanned over four decades. His warmth, humor, and down-to-earth charm made him a beloved figure both on and off screen.
