George Wendt, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of the lovable Everyman Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Studio City, California. He was 76 years old. The news of his death was confirmed by his manager, Geoff Cheddy, who did not disclose the cause of death.
Over a prolific career spanning more than four decades, Mr. Wendt amassed an impressive portfolio of around 170 film and television credits. However, he is best remembered for his role on “Cheers,” where he appeared in every single episode throughout the show's 11-year run on NBC, which began in 1982. His remarkable performance earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, starting in 1984.
Born on the South Side of Chicago, George Wendt began his entertainment journey in an unconventional manner. He initially swept the floors at Second City, the renowned improvisational comedy club that has launched the careers of numerous stars, including John Belushi, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler. In 1974, he joined the Second City touring production and later became a resident member, where he honed his craft until 1980. Reflecting on his early days, Mr. Wendt stated in a 2013 interview with The Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, N.Y., “I had no acting experience in my background, but something just clicked.”
With his distinctive charm and relatable demeanor, Wendt transitioned to Hollywood, where he appeared in the pilot for an NBC show titled “Nothing but Comedy.” He also made guest appearances on popular television series such as “Taxi,” “Alice,” and “Hart to Hart.” However, it was his role as Norm Peterson on “Cheers” that became a defining moment in his career. Wendt later remarked that his physical presence contributed significantly to the character's appeal, making Norm the kind of relatable guy viewers would enjoy sitting next to at their neighborhood bar. He famously quipped, “One nice thing about being fat for a living is that you don’t worry about losing weight or dieting.”
While Wendt found many similarities between himself and the character of Norm, he acknowledged the distinctions between fiction and reality. He elaborated, “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 unique blend of humor and warmth made him a cherished figure not just in television history but also in the hearts of countless fans.
George Wendt's legacy as Norm Peterson will undoubtedly endure, celebrating the everyman spirit he embodied throughout his illustrious career. His impact on comedy and television will be remembered for generations to come.
