It is with great sadness that we report the passing of George Wendt, the talented actor best known for his iconic role as Norm Peterson in the beloved sitcom Cheers. Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 76, as confirmed by his publicist in an official statement. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend, and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement read. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
Wendt's career was largely defined by his role in Cheers, where he brought to life the lovable character of Norm from 1982 to 1993. During his time on the show, he appeared in all 275 episodes and earned an impressive six Emmy nominations for his outstanding work. Reflecting on his character, Wendt once shared, “The Norm you see in Cheers has been years in the making. I have some characteristics in common with him besides our fondness for beer. But I think I’m a lot happier than Norm.” His portrayal of Norm became a cultural touchstone, endearing him to fans around the world.
Beyond Cheers, George Wendt continued to play the character of Norm in several other popular television series, including Frasier, Wings, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Tortellis. After the conclusion of Cheers, he starred in the short-lived sitcom The George Wendt Show in 1995, which was unfortunately cancelled after just six episodes. His extensive television credits also include memorable appearances in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, Portlandia, and The Goldbergs.
In addition to his television success, Wendt made notable contributions to film. He appeared in movies such as Guilty by Suspicion alongside Robert De Niro, Fletch with Chevy Chase, Space Truckers featuring Dennis Hopper, and Forever Young with Mel Gibson. Fans may also remember him for his role as Macaulay Culkin’s father in Michael Jackson’s music video for Black or White.
On stage, Wendt showcased his versatility by starring as Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of Hairspray. “It was one of my two favorite roles, apart from Norm,” he expressed. “Absolute utter joy and entirely different from anything in my world.”
In his later years, Wendt remained active in the entertainment industry. Most recently, he appeared in a season of The Masked Singer and the festive comedy Christmas with the Campbells in 2022. He also had the pleasure of reuniting with fellow Cheers cast members at the 2024 Emmys, celebrating the legacy of the show that made him a household name.
George Wendt will be remembered not only for his remarkable talent but also for the joy and laughter he brought into the lives of many. His contributions to television and film have left an indelible mark that will resonate with fans for generations to come.
