George Wendt, the iconic actor and comedian renowned for his portrayal of Norm Peterson on the beloved comedy series “Cheers,” has sadly passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family. In a heartfelt statement to CNN, a family 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.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Wendt embarked on his acting journey by joining the prestigious Second City Mainstage improv school in 1975. Over his nearly five-decade career in Hollywood, he garnered six Emmy nominations, showcasing his incredible talent. During his time at The Second City, Wendt was featured in the revue “One More with Fooling” and also performed with the troupe’s touring company. He left the improv group in 1980 to pursue opportunities in film and television.
In the early 1980s, George Wendt began landing notable roles in television series such as “Taxi,” “Alice,” and “Making the Grade.” However, it was his iconic role as Norm Peterson on NBC’s “Cheers,” which debuted in 1982, that catapulted him to fame. The sitcom, which ran for 11 successful seasons, featured Wendt as the lovable, beer-drinking Norm, alongside a stellar cast that included Rhea Perlman, Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, and Kelsey Grammer.
Wendt's performance as Norm earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations between 1984 and 1989 in the supporting actor category. Rhea Perlman, who played Carla on the show, fondly remembered him, stating, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him.” She recalled their comedic interactions, emphasizing how much she cherished their time together on set.
Wendt was one of three cast members to appear in every episode of “Cheers,” alongside Danson and Perlman. The show concluded in 1993, but Wendt's legacy continued to thrive. During a 2024 interview at the Motor City Comic Con, he reminisced, saying, “It was a great job. Oh my God, what a great job.” His co-star John Ratzenberger humorously recalled their experience, stating, “We sat at a bar for 11 years cracking jokes,” highlighting the joy they found in their work.
Wendt also opened up about his character's persona, saying, “I had to look like a guy who wanted another beer. That I can do!” He attributed much of his success to the talented comedy writers of the era, describing them as a “murderers’ row.”
Beyond “Cheers,” George Wendt had an extensive television career, appearing in films like “Dreamscape,” “Never Say Die,” and “Forever Young” alongside stars like Mel Gibson and Jamie Lee Curtis. His television appearances included guest roles on popular series such as “Seinfeld,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “The Twilight Zone.” Wendt also starred in his own series, “The George Wendt Show,” in 1995, and played a regular role in “The Naked Truth” in 1997.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wendt continued to make guest appearances on shows like “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Portlandia,” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” He even returned to his roots in 2017 for “I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt,” an event hosted by his nephew, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, which raised significant funds for charity.
George Wendt’s last credited performance was in the 2024 TV movie “Love’s Second Act,” featuring Jodie Sweetin. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, and their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. The world has lost a cherished talent and a wonderful person, and Wendt will be remembered fondly by fans and friends alike.
