'Cheers' actor George Wendt dies at 76 as tributes pour in for 'a doting family man'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: George Wendt, the affable actor best known as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom 'Cheers', has died at 76.
His family confirmed that the Emmy-nominated actor died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 20, just six months after he was last seen in public and exactly 32 years to the day the 'Cheers' finale aired.
‘Cheers’ star George Wendt dies at 76
George Wendt became a television staple thanks to his portrayal of Norm, the beer-loving, wisecracking regular at the Boston bar where “everybody knows your name”. The role earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations and made him a household name across 11 seasons of NBC's hit show from 1982 to 1993.
In a statement released by his family to People, they remembered him as “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.”
The family also asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
Ted Danson pays touching homage to George Wendt
Ted Danson, George Wendt’s co-star who played bartender Sam Malone, expressed heartbreak over the news. “I’m devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us,” he told People. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”
Wendt’s iconic 'Norm!' entrance became a cultural staple, with fans around the world mimicking the shout every time he entered the bar.
In a 2021 interview with Chicago Magazine, he humbly reflected, “Norm is just me with better writing. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning.”
Though 'Cheers' initially struggled with ratings, it eventually became one of television’s biggest hits, earning 28 Emmys and becoming the No 1 show in its ninth season. Wendt appeared in every episode.
'Sabrina' star Melissa Joan Hart honors George Wendt
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Melissa Joan Hart, who starred alongside George Wendt in 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Heaven just got a little funnier.”
She said, "He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.”
George Wendt's early life and career
Born in Chicago, George Wendt’s road to stardom was far from direct. After academic struggles led to his expulsion from the University of Notre Dame, he began his journey in showbiz at the most basic level—sweeping theater floors.
Wendt scored early guest spots on shows like 'Taxi' and 'M*A*S*H*', but it was his breakout role on 'Cheers' that cemented his place in pop culture. A few years after 'Cheers' wrapped, he tried to recapture that success with a self-titled CBS sitcom. Sadly, it failed to resonate and was canceled after only eight episodes.
Beyond his iconic role on the beloved sitcom, the well-known actor also made memorable appearances on shows like 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', 'Columbo', and 'Wings'.
He was especially loved for his recurring sketch on 'Saturday Night Live'—Bill Swerski's Superfans—a hilarious tribute to die-hard Chicago sports enthusiasts that became a fan favorite.
