George Wendt, renowned for his remarkable portrayal of Norm Peterson in the beloved sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. According to his family, he died peacefully in his sleep at his residence early Tuesday morning. A representative expressed, "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."
Wendt delighted audiences by starring as Norm in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which enjoyed a successful run from 1982 to 1993. His performance earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, solidifying his status as a television icon. Norm became a fan-favorite character, well-known for his humorous entrance into the bar, where he would greet patrons, prompting the crowd to cheer his name— a cherished running gag throughout the series.
In 2024, Wendt reunited with his Cheers co-stars, including Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger, during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, highlighting the enduring bond formed during their time together on the show.
Wendt's career extended beyond Cheers; he appeared in several films such as Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho. Notably, he played the father of Macaulay Culkin's character in Michael Jackson's iconic 1991 music video for "Black or White."
George had been married to fellow actress Bernadette Birkett since 1978, and together, they had three children. He was also the proud uncle of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, who gained acclaim for his role in the hit series Ted Lasso. Hollywood and fans alike will fondly remember the laughter Wendt brought to countless lives through his extraordinary talent.
